Vespa Unveils Brand New Luxury 946 Model

The new luxury Vespa 946 is officially unveiled today and judging by the photos, this just may have to be added to my holiday wish list. Vespa USA, the North American importer for Piaggio Group's Vespa brand, made the introduction after more than six years of waiting. The new addition is handcrafted and hailed as "the most well equipped, styled/designed and technologically advanced Vespa ever." Considering this is the first model to feature aluminum elements, it's sounding pretty accurate.

The 946 flaunts a design that hearkens back to the very first Vespa prototype from 1946, the MP6 — most notably with the art deco-inspired rear side panels. The headlamp has full LED technology and the waterproof saddle is hinged on a cast aluminum support. Many elements are made by hand, including the stitching on the leather handle grips and the final polish.

The Vespa 946 is being introduced as a yearly fashion collection, with limited numbers being produced for each country each year. Each year's new collection will be based on a new color, premium components and finishings, customizations and accessories. Retailing for $9,946, the Vespa 946 (see what they did there?) will be available in Montebianco (white) and Nero Lucido (black) and will arrive in U.S. and Canadian dealerships next month.