Montes Zender MK3 (ZE3).
Released on June of 1989, it was the third generation of the Zender saga.
The front suspension uses a double wishbone setup, meanwhile the rear axle uses a new multilink design (vs the double wishbone from the older generation).
And to keep the weight low, some of the body panels, like the bonnet, doors and fenders, they are made of aluminum.
And a cool detail: it comes with a T-top!
Preliminary
During the 1987 Paris Auto Show, it was shown the Z-Millenium concept.
The prototype was intended to show Montes’s vision of the sports vehicle of the 21st century.
Among whose characteristics were an all-wheel drive, with three differentials piloted electronically, capable of sending a range of 0 to 100% of torque to an axle, even in a single wheel, as well as an electric steering to the 4 wheels, tactile control, 4-way ABS, stability control, traction control, active aerodynamics, and piloted suspensions, as outstanding elements.
ZE3A (1989-1994)
The first Zender’s phase, called ZE3A, it was available with 2 or 2+2 seats, 5-speed manual or a 4-speed electronically controlled gearbox, and with two engines: a 3.0 NA 24V DOHC, or a 3.0 turbo 24V DOHC, with powers ranging from 207hp, to 264hp.
The top trim, the GTS Turbo, it comes with an improved EG630R, used on the old Zender generation. But now, improving the low-end performance and efficiency.
The highlighted features of this trim was the E-AWS. turning the rear wheels 1.5º as much, to improve cornering and stability; the electronically-piloted air suspension. Providing a good level of confort, plus an exceptional dynamism, and the active aero: the rear spoiler can be adjusted in height, depending on the speed and angle of steering wheel, and whether it is braking or not. The same with the front spoiler. And, of course, ABS, plus TCS.
And the best, it was the weight: it only weights 1452kg.
The other trim, the 3.0 GT, it comes with the naturally aspirated trim of EG630R.
It does not have the equipment of the other version, but it was remarkable the suspension with electrical regulation of hardness, the variable hydraulic power steering, and seats with electric recline, and heated.
ZE3B (1995-2001)
The restyled Zender, aesthetically, it changes the headlight design (now, is transparent), the taillight glass, the front bumper, and the wheels.
Mechanically, it comes with a brand-new fully aluminum 3.0 inline 6 TE30DT, now delivering 283HP (300 since 1998), and a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The air suspension it was changed by a progressive active suspension, that it was less complex, and with similar efectiveness.
On the security section, now, we have 4 SRS airbags (driver, co-driver, and door airbags).
On the comfort section, now, we have a cassette+CD HiFi radio player, developed by Technics, and new-design seats.