Born in 1947 in Italy, scooter brand Lambretta is now getting ready to set foot in the Indian market by the year 2020. It is expected that Lambretta will begin with the launch of two models, the super Lambretta and the Lambretta electric, which is currently under development in Milan, Italy and the later will make its world debut in February at the 2020 Auto Expo.
Lambretta had displayed their V-Special in EICMA 2017. The scooters displayed were V50, V125 and V200 Special. The V-Special is already available in select International markets and is expected to come to India as they can compete fiercely in the lucrative 125cc segment.
The Lambretta scooters are well known for their metal chassis and the new ones have a double layered side panel and a 1.2mm thick steel middle-beam which splits to the sides for an easily accessible engine. The V-Special is available in both fixed and flex fenders which were an iconic character of the 70’s Lambretta. The V-Special boasts LED headlights with integrated Lambretta badging, LED indicators, LCD instruments display, LED rear taillights, body integrated glove box, USB charger and a large luggage area under the seat. The V-Special 200 has front and rear disc brakes with a Bosch ABS system.
The Lambretta V-Special comes in three engine options in the international markets:-
- Lambretta V50 Special
Powered by a single-cylinder, 49.5cc, air-cooled petrol engine producing 3.47 HP of power @ 7500 RPM and 3.4 Nm of torque @ 6500 RPM coupled to a CVT gearbox
- Lambretta V125 Special
Powered by a single-cylinder, 124.7cc, air-cooled petrol engine producing 10 HP of power @ 8500 RPM and 9.2 Nm of torque @ 7000 RPM mated to a CVT gearbox
- Lambretta V200 Special
Powered by a single-cylinder, 169cc, air-cooled petrol engine producing 11.8 HP of power @ 8000 RPM and 12.2 Nm of torque @ 5500 RPM coupled to a CVT gearbox.
All these engines are Euro IV standard and come with CBS Brakes as standard.
Lambretta in India has partnered with Lohia Motors and Bird Group to look after their operations and they will most likely bring the scooters via the CKD channel in the initial phase with localised production in the near future. Lambretta is also expected to install an assembly plant in India soon. If the Lambretta electric scooter gets localised in India, it will receive tax subsidy under the Government of India’s FAME scheme.
The Lambretta V125 and V200 special will directly compete with the premium scooters of the Italian brand Piaggio Vespa and the Aprilia SR 150.