MP3 Hybrid

OK, on to a more realistic plug-in. This is Piaggio MP3 Hybrid. You will actually be able buy these next year, and I think I actually want one. It will be (they claim) the first production plug-in hybrid vehicle. It runs on electricity, AND has a 124cc gas-powered engine that will take over when your charge is up. That means its range is not limited. And the battery is a Lithium-ion battery, the kind like in your cell phone that charges quickly and lasts long (another first for a production hybrid).

It will reach 64mph, and they claim 140mpg. Of course, if your trips are short and the gas engine never kicks in, that 140 could approach infinity.

The unlimited range and the electric engine make this an appealing package. One cool thing about an electric engine is that 100% of the torque is avalable from the instant you twitch the throttle. So even though it's a green vehicle, it won't be a wimp. This thing will jump off the line. Is it me, or does this even look better than the other MP3s? To read more, see Piaggio's website.

Vespa Dealer coming! Good News, Bad News Edition

The good news is that a Vespa dealer is coming to the area. WRS Motorsports has become an authorized Vespa Dealer. They are going to carry Vespa, Piaggio, and Aprilla brand scooters.

The bad news is that WRS isn't in a cute urban boutique, conveniently located in downtown Lancaster. They are country. And I don't mean Carrie Underwood country; we're talking Shooter Jennings country. They are across the river, halfway between Red Lion and Felton.

Good: they are building a brand-spanking new showroom to display their large inventory. Bad: said inventory is currently on back-order and not expected until some time in August. I'm told they ordered 50 scooters, but they could trickle in or come all at once.

More good news: WRS could teach most motorsports dealers a thing or two about being open for business. They are open 9am-7:30pm weekdays and 9-2 on Saturday. More bad news: they are a little tough to find. They are at 1188 Felton Rd, which looks like a farm house from the front. The store is in back. Look for the small WRS sign out by the road.

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