THE ZAP! 1979-1985 (Mk.I)
The first generation of Žnoprešk Zap! was in development since 1975 and was the most important car in the brand history.
It had the very complicated task to re-invent the entire brand perception in the car market.
Before this car, Žnoprešk brand was percieved as well built, but boring and very traditional in the design and in the engineering. Most of the Žnoprešk still has longitudinal engine and gearbox, with a three box design.
But the Zap! car was designed to be cutting edge in every aspect, like:
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A hatchback design with front transverse engine front wheel drive transverse layout and rear torsion bar. A totally new suspension system if compared with the past.
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A completely new fully aluminum inline 3 engine with 3 valves per cylinder (from 860cc to 1250cc) featuring also a completely new Electronic Fuel injection system. Everything was developed with the help of the recently acquired BMMA and expected to be used also in possible smaller cars (like the ZZ).
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Also the name was a complete cut from the past. Instead following the usual “Z+Size+Displacement” formula (for example Z325 = Znopresk Size 3 2.5 liter engine) it had a name starting with the Z. The following cars will have the same formula, with longer names for bigger car and shorter name for smaller cars. (Like the small ZZ or the bigger Zest or Zenit).
The Zap! was presented right at the end of the 1978 with a warm, but not enthusiastic, reception and hit the market with a range of 3 engines and 3 trims in the 1979 proofing unexpected popularity.
ZAP 900 (MY 1979)
The most important trim in the Director board strategy plan was the entry level one: the 900cc Prima. Featuring a very basic mass motoring, with decent performance and 4 comfortable seats.
Even if the EFi was available, for this trim a SU carburetor was fitted allowing the car a great fuel economy thanks to the 4th overdrive gear allowing a very small retail price of 6.052$
ZAP 1100L (MY 1979)
The upper trim was the 1100L (lusso). The more luxurious version of the Zap, with better interior, 8 track cassette player and AM/FM radio, 5 speed manual gearbox coped with the 50 horse power of the 1100cc inline makes the trim a perfect choice for commuters on a budget. For this motoring, it was also available a 4 speed automatic torque converter.
ZAP 1250S (MY 1979)
The S (sport) trim combined the interior of the L, with a specific aero package, a tuned 1250cc inline 3 with Iniezione Computerizzata, ligh allow 4 stroke wheels and a sporty toned exhaust.The peak power of 80hp was enough to shakes off some of the recurring jokes about the lacks of sportivity of the small and cheap Žnoprešks. But the public will have to wait 1984 to see the most fabulous Zap to hit the tarmac.