1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II
In the tumultuous arena of German Touring Car Championship (DTM) racing, where speed is king and innovation reigns supreme, one car emerged not just as a contender but as a legend,the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II. As we delve into the pages of automotive history, the Evolution II stands as a testament to the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Cosworth Engineering, a symphony of speed, power, and unbridled innovation.
The Evolution II was not a mere iteration but a culmination of years of racing prowess and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Its story begins in 1984 when the 190 E 2.3-16V, born from the partnership of Mercedes-Benz and Cosworth Engineering, earned its Group N homologation status. What followed were the Evolution variants, each a step closer to DTM dominance.
The DTM, initially graced by privately entered 190 E 2.3-16s in 1986, witnessed Mercedes-Benz’s factory debut in 1988. The Evolution I 2.5-16 graced the tracks, but it’s early seasons were marked by underachievement. The turning point came in the form of the Evolution II, born from the continued collaboration between Mercedes-Benz’s sports department and AMG, the heralds of victory at Le Mans.
As the Evolution II roared onto the scene in 1990, it was a spectacle of power and design. The standard trim boasted an impressive 235 horsepower, thanks to a tuned 2.5-liter engine. But power was just the beginning. The Evolution II flaunted a beefed-up chassis, adorned with Brembo four-piston brake callipers, and wrapped in an aggressive aero kit. The kit, designed by Prof. Richard Eppler from the University of Stuttgart, included an imposing rear spoiler, fender flares that commanded attention, and a front splitter.
The audacious aero kit was not just for show; it was a statement of intent. So effective was its design that other DTM teams, in a fervent protest, tried in vain to challenge its legality. Wolfgang Reitzle, BMW’s head of research, was rumoured to have quipped, “the laws of aerodynamics must be different between Munich and Stuttgart; if that rear wing works, we’ll have to redesign our wind tunnel.” The Evolution II was a challenge to the very laws of physics.
The year 1992 marked the zenith of the Evolution II’s racing prowess. AMG-Mercedes, with the stellar lineup of drivers including the legendary Bernd Schneider, Klaus Ludwig, Keke Rosberg, and Ellen Lohr, formed a formidable “super team.” The Evolution II, with its unparalleled speed and aerodynamics, clinched victory after victory. It secured AMG-Mercedes’ first win at Wunstorf in May 1992, a triumph repeated 10 more times that season. Mercedes-Benz, with the Evolution II leading the charge, won a staggering 16 out of 24 Championship rounds.
As Ludwig emerged as the champion, flanked closely by teammate Schneider, the Evolution II etched its name in the annals of DTM history. It was not just a car; it was a racing symphony, a crescendo of power, speed, and victory.
While its racing legacy was etched in victories, the Evolution II wasn’t just confined to the racetrack. In March 1990, at the Geneva Auto Show, the roadgoing Evolution II was revealed. Its production of 502 units was a testament to its desirability, with every unit pre-sold before it even hit the showroom floor.
The “Evo II” was not just about power and speed on the tracks; it was about exclusivity on the streets. Retailing for DM 136,720 in 1990, it was a collector’s item.
As the Evolution II graced the tracks and the streets, it left an indelible mark on the world of automotive enthusiasts. With its roaring engine, audacious design, and a legacy of victories, the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II is a legend, a testament to the pursuit of excellence that defines the spirit of Mercedes-Benz. In every rev of its engine, it echoes the symphony of victory that made it a champion on and off the racetrack.
