NT3, Piaggio's future city vehicle

The Italian scooter manufacturer Piaggio is preparing a low-cost city vehicle with seating for three people. It will go on sale in Europe after 2013.

An early look at it, still under development, was unveiled today at the Milan Motorcycle Show under the name NT3.

Inside, there are three seats arranged so that the driver sits centred and in front of the two rear seats, like in an McLaren F1 car (which is quite a compliment for the NT3).

The NT3 was conceived in India with the Piaggio Ape as its reference point. This is the country where it will face its toughest battle, going head to head with the Tata Nano and the Maruti Hatch (Suzuki Alto).

The prototype’s engine range is based on motorcycle engines of 200 cm3 and 300 cm3. In addition, the 300 cm3 engine can be paired with a hybrid system.

No launch dates or production locations have been mentioned, but Piaggio plans for everything to begin within 3 years.

Source | Autocar