Introduction
The 1990 Mercedes Benz 190E Evolution II is a classic German sports car that was built by Mercedes Benz as a homologation special. It was designed to meet the requirements of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) racing series and was released in limited numbers for the public. The Evolution II was an upgrade of the previous Evolution I model, and it featured a more powerful engine, stiffer suspension, and aerodynamic bodywork. Despite its rarity and limited production, the Evolution II has become a highly sought-after collector’s car that is still appreciated by car enthusiasts today.
Design
Exterior
The exterior of the 1990 Mercedes Benz 190E Evolution II was designed with aerodynamics in mind. Its bodywork was sculpted to reduce drag and improve stability at high speeds. It featured a unique front air dam, side skirts, and a large rear spoiler to increase downforce. The car was also fitted with a set of 17-inch alloy wheels, and it had a more aggressive look than the standard 190E.
Interior
The interior of the Evolution II was spartan and minimalistic. The cabin was upholstered in black leather and featured a three-spoke steering wheel and manual transmission shifter. It also had a set of Recaro sport seats with red and gray stripes to give the car a sporty look.
Engine
The Evolution II was powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that produced 232 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It was mated to a five-speed manual transmission and had a top speed of 155 mph. The engine was also equipped with a revised intake and exhaust system to improve performance.
Suspension
The Evolution II had a stiffer suspension than the standard 190E. It featured adjustable Bilstein shocks, larger anti-roll bars, and a revised rear axle that improved cornering ability. The car also had larger brakes with four-piston calipers at the front and rear.
Performance
The Evolution II was capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph. The car was also able to corner and brake with ease due to its stiff suspension and larger brakes. The Evolution II was a formidable track car and was used in the DTM racing series.
Price
The Evolution II was released in limited numbers and was only sold in Germany. As such, the car was extremely rare and highly sought-after by collectors. When new, the Evolution II had a price tag of around $100,000. Today, the car is still highly sought-after and can fetch upwards of $200,000 at auction.