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Not that we have all been sitting around waiting for a scooter that had enough juice to wheelie off the line, but wouldn’t it be nice to have an urban-commuter machine that had a real dose of power? Storied Italian brand Vespa delivers just that with its new GTS 300 Super.

Using advanced finite-element-analysis software, Vespa’s engineers redesigned the unibody chassis, increasing rigidity without adding weight. Next, they bored and stroked the sohc four-valver to 280cc. Electronic fuel-injection and a catalyzer are standard. Leading-link front suspension has yet to materialize, but the Vespa GTS 300 Super definitely handles better and is more stable and surefooted even when pushed to its staggering (by Vespa standards) 80-mph top speed.

The new engine is outstanding. Peak power only increased from 21 to 22 horsepower, but torque has been boosted from 14.8 ft.-lbs at 6500 rpm to 17.1 ft.-lbs. torque at just 5000 rpm. This makes engine response superb, almost to a fault! You’ve actually got to use restraint with the throttle when leaving lights because the 300 Super tends to wheelie even if the rider sits right at the front of the seat. And a wheelie from a vehicle this short—especially one notorious for having a weight distribution heavily biased to the rear—happens pretty fast, so discretion is advised. But even part-throttle starts will make the Super a top contender at the drags down the streets of Milan. In fact, a taller final-drive ratio would not kill one bit of the Super’s zest, with the added benefit of improved fuel mileage and perhaps even a higher top speed.

Compact, lightweight and as practical as ever, a Vespa makes sense as a thrifty and stylish mode of transportation. There are no current plans to import the new GTS 300 Super to the states, which is a shame because it represents a new dimension of excitement and performance to the ultimate urban commuter.

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