The Italian automotive giant is set to celebrate heritage while pushing performance boundaries in 2026, unveiling 80th-anniversary editions for Vespa and a flagship adventure scooter for Aprilia.
The Piaggio Group has announced significant additions to its 2026 lineup, balancing nostalgic tributes with modern performance. The upcoming model year will see Vespa mark eight decades of production with specialized heritage models, while Aprilia expands its “urban adventure” segment with the robust new SR GT 400.
Vespa Celebrates 80 Years of an Icon
Since its debut patent in 1946, Vespa has evolved from a post-war mobility solution into a global style icon. To commemorate its 80th anniversary in 2026, the brand is launching the Vespa 80th series, available for both the Primavera and GTS models.
These special editions are defined by their exclusive “Verde Pastello” paintwork. This archival green hue, drawn directly from Piaggio’s 1940s color palette, is designed to evoke the era of Italy’s reconstruction. The monochromatic aesthetic extends to components usually left standard, such as the mirrors, control housings, and front suspension link, creating a cohesive, vintage look.
Heritage details include:
- Retro Rims: Stamped-style wheels that mimic the original 1946 Vespa 98, featuring diamond-finished channels.
- Custom Seating: A dark green saddle accented with satin trim and pastel inserts.
- Historic Nods: The Primavera model features a unique left-side cooling grille, referencing the functional design of early Vespas.
- Commemorative Badging: “80th” anniversary plaques are fitted to the front shield and rear plate.
Vespa plans to cap off the celebrations with a massive international gathering in Rome, scheduled for June 25–28, 2026.
Aprilia Enters the Mid-Size Crossover Market
While Vespa looks to the past, Aprilia is gearing up for more aggressive riding with the 2026 SR GT 400. This new flagship model joins the existing 125 and 200 versions, bringing serious power to the crossover scooter segment.
At its heart is a new 399cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. Aprilia claims an output of 36 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 27.8 lb-ft of torque, managed by a CVT tailored for varying skill levels. The powerplant features motorcycle-grade engineering, including lightweight pistons and a weight-optimized connecting rod to reduce inertia, alongside a newly designed exhaust system for a sportier engine note.
Adventure-Ready Chassis
The SR GT 400 is built for stability and versatility. It utilizes a rigid steel double-cradle frame and features a notable 7.5 inches of ground clearance, making it capable of light off-pavement excursions.
Key specifications include:
- Suspension: A 41mm non-adjustable USD fork paired with dual, preload-adjustable rear shocks. Both ends offer 4.72 inches of travel.
- Brakes: A high-spec braking system featuring Bosch dual-channel ABS. The front end uses a 4-piston radial caliper on a 300mm disc, while the rear utilizes a 2-piston caliper on a 240mm disc.
- Wheels & Tires: A 16-inch front and 14-inch rear cast aluminum wheel setup, shod with Mitas Enduro Trail tires.
- Range: A 3.17-gallon tank providing an estimated range of 186 miles.
Technology and Convenience
Riders will manage the bike’s systems—including two-level traction control (which can be disabled)—via a 5-inch color TFT dash. The system is Bluetooth-ready for the optional Aprilia MIA multimedia platform. Standard convenience features include keyless ignition, a remote fuel door, and a “Bike Finder” remote indicator flash.
The SR GT 400 will launch in late 2026 in the Americas. It will be available in Rugged Black, Boulder Grey, Dusty Grey, and a special “Rally Replica” livery that mimics the Tuareg 660 adventure bike, complete with gold forks and red shock springs.
Pricing for both the Vespa 80th series and the Aprilia SR GT 400 has yet to be announced.
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