Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II

The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II (commonly known as the 190E Evo II) is an iconic high-performance variant of the W201 series, which was the Mercedes-Benz 190E. This model is especially revered in motorsport and automotive history for its success in touring car racing, particularly in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) series.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II (W201):

Background and Development:

The Mercedes-Benz 190E was part of the W201 series, which was first introduced in 1982 as a compact executive sedan. It was known for its solid build quality, innovation, and refinement. However, to compete with BMW in motorsport, specifically in the DTM series, Mercedes-Benz developed performance versions of the 190E. These cars were built to homologate the model for Group A racing regulations, meaning they needed to produce a limited number of street-legal versions for competition approval.

The first iteration was the 190E 2.3-16, which featured a Cosworth-developed engine. Mercedes followed this up with the 190E 2.5-16 with a larger engine. However, the ultimate evolution of the platform came with the introduction of the Evo I in 1989 and then the even more extreme Evo II in 1990.

Key Features and Specifications of the Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II:

1. Engine and Performance:

• Engine: The Evo II was powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4, 16-valve DOHC engine, developed in collaboration with Cosworth, a British engineering firm known for its racing expertise.
• Horsepower: The 2.5-liter engine produced 235 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, a significant improvement over previous 190E models.
• Top Speed: It had a top speed of around 155 mph (250 km/h).
• 0-60 mph: The Evo II could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.1 seconds.

1. Transmission:

• The car came with a 5-speed manual Getrag transmission, which allowed for precise gear changes, suited to its high-revving nature and performance-oriented setup.
• Power was sent to the rear wheels, in true Mercedes-Benz sport sedan tradition.

1. Aerodynamics and Design:

• Wide-Body Kit: The Evo II is known for its incredibly aggressive, race-inspired design. It featured widened fenders and a much more extreme aerodynamic package than the Evo I.
• Adjustable Rear Wing: The most eye-catching feature of the Evo II is its massive, adjustable rear wing, designed to generate significant downforce at high speeds. This was crucial for its success in DTM racing.
• Front Splitter: It also had an extended front splitter, helping to reduce lift at the front axle and improve stability during high-speed cornering.
• Lightweight Construction: While still based on the W201 chassis, Mercedes employed lightweight materials and a reduction in unnecessary components to make the Evo II race-ready while remaining street-legal.

1. Suspension:

• The Evo II featured a highly tuned racing suspension, designed for DTM competition. It came with an adjustable ride height, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s setup depending on road conditions or track performance.
• The advanced suspension setup provided sharp handling characteristics that were a step above the standard 190E, making it competitive against rivals such as the BMW M3 E30 in touring car championships.

1. Braking System:

• The Evo II was equipped with upgraded disc brakes on all four corners, offering improved stopping power and resistance to brake fade under the extreme conditions of motorsport.
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, which was advanced for the time and crucial for maintaining control under heavy braking.

1. Interior:

• Despite its track-focused design, the Evo II retained many of the luxurious touches typical of Mercedes-Benz cars of the era. It had sport bucket seats for additional lateral support during aggressive driving, as well as high-quality materials like leather and wood trim.
• The interior was stripped of some unnecessary weight, but it was still relatively comfortable compared to full-fledged race cars, making it a suitable option for road use as well.

1. Production and Homologation:

• To comply with DTM homologation regulations, Mercedes-Benz built 502 units of the 190E Evo II. All of these were street-legal, but their design and features clearly showed their motorsport DNA.
• The Evo II was one of the last homologation specials of its era, making it extremely rare and desirable among collectors today.

1. Motorsport Success (DTM):

• The Evo II was developed specifically for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), where it competed fiercely against rivals like the BMW M3 E30.
• It was particularly effective thanks to its combination of lightweight construction, aerodynamic efficiency, and a high-revving engine. The large rear wing and front splitter helped generate the downforce needed for track dominance.
• In the 1992 DTM season, the 190E Evo II helped Mercedes-Benz secure the championship, solidifying its legacy as one of the most iconic touring cars of its era.

Key Competitors:

• BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution: The BMW M3 was Mercedes' main rival in DTM and on the street. Both cars have a legendary status, with similar power outputs and homologation purposes.
• Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth: Another rival in touring car racing during that era, known for its turbocharged engine and aerodynamics.
• Alfa Romeo 155 V6 TI: A later competitor in the DTM, representing a strong challenger with advanced technology.

Legacy and Impact:

The Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II remains one of the most iconic homologation cars ever made. Its racing success, combined with its dramatic design and rarity, has made it a highly sought-after collector's item. While its direct rival, the BMW E30 M3, often steals the limelight, the Evo II’s motorsport pedigree and engineering excellence have earned it a revered place in automotive history.

Today, the Evo II is considered a legendary car, not only in the context of Mercedes-Benz but also in the broader world of motorsports and performance car culture. Collectors and enthusiasts regard it as a true masterpiece of racing engineering, and its value has skyrocketed over time due to its limited production run and historical significance.

In summary, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II is an engineering marvel that combines motorsport prowess with street-legal usability. It stands as a symbol of Mercedes-Benz’s relentless pursuit of excellence in both racing and performance vehicles, cementing its place in automotive history.