For decades, the allure of homologation specials has captivated automotive enthusiasts. These limited-production vehicles, born from the white-hot intensity of motorsport regulations, represent a unique breed of performance cars. Think of icons like the Renault R5 Turbo, Audi Sport Quattro, and BMW E30 M3 – machines created in limited numbers to conquer rally stages and race circuits. Within this pantheon of legends, the Mercedes-Benz 190E and its formidable Evolution variants, the Evo I and Evo II, hold a particularly fascinating story, filled with on-track battles and engineering innovation.
While the Evolution II often steals the spotlight with its overtly aggressive styling, the original Evolution I laid the crucial groundwork for its successor’s fame. To truly appreciate the Evo II, we must first delve into the story of the Evo I and its pivotal role in Mercedes-Benz’s DTM journey. Before Mercedes-Benz’s full factory involvement in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), independent teams carried the 190E banner in the early years of the series. The inaugural 1986 DTM season saw remarkable success for the 190E, with Volker Weidler securing second place overall for the Helmut Marko-founded Marko RSM team.
As DTM gained momentum, AMG and Mercedes-Benz began to deepen their involvement. 1989 marked a turning point, as DTM’s Group A regulations evolved to permit “Evolution” models. This opened the door for manufacturers to develop and homologate increasingly specialized versions of their cars. Mercedes-Benz seized this opportunity, unveiling the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution 1 at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show. While maintaining the inherent Mercedes-Benz refinement, the EVO I was a significant departure in terms of performance intent.
The Evo I boasted a comprehensively upgraded aerodynamic package, instantly setting it apart visually. Crucially, the 2.5-liter inline-four engine underwent significant revisions. Engineers implemented a shorter stroke and a larger bore, a modification designed to raise the rev limit and broaden the power band, vital for racing applications. The wider body kit, beefier brakes, and larger wheels weren’t just for show; these were essential homologation requirements to allow for similar upgrades on the 1989 DTM race cars. This made the road-going Evo I a direct reflection of its racing counterpart.
Weighing in at a trim 1320kg, a substantial 80 kilograms lighter than the standard 2.5-16 model, the Evo I was a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to performance. Limited to just 502 examples, the production run sold out rapidly, demonstrating the immediate desirability of this homologation special. On the track, the Evo I proved its mettle in the DTM season. However, the BMW E30 M3 remained a formidable competitor. While the best-placed 190E secured fourth in the 1989 DTM standings, Mercedes-Benz knew 1990 demanded an even stronger contender.
Enter the Evolution II, debuting in March 1990. Building upon the already impressive foundation of the Evo I, the Evo II represented a significant leap forward. Mercedes-Benz meticulously studied the DTM rulebook to identify further areas for enhancement. A collaboration between Mercedes’ Rüdiger Faul and Professor Richard Läpple from the Stuttgart University of Technology resulted in a radical new aesthetic. Wider, more pronounced wheel arches, a bulkier rear bumper, and a redesigned front end with an air-damaging bumper and adjustable chin splitter dramatically altered the 190E’s appearance. The most striking addition, however, was the imposing two-tier rear spoiler, a first for Mercedes-Benz, engineered to generate substantial rear downforce and improve handling agility. The 2.5-liter 16-valve engine, now five years into its development, received another power boost, reaching 235bhp at a screaming 7200rpm.
Mirroring the Evo I, the Evolution II also saw a limited production run of 502 units, all in left-hand drive configuration. While the Evo II quickly achieved iconic status as a road car, its DTM journey was initially more challenging, facing reliability issues and weight concerns. Despite these early setbacks, Mercedes-Benz persevered, and by 1991, they dethroned BMW in DTM. Audi’s Frank Biela won the Drivers’ title in 1991, but Mercedes-Benz secured the coveted Manufacturers’ championship, a testament to the Evolution program’s ultimate success.
Owning either an Evo I or Evo II Mercedes-Benz is a rare privilege, offering an exhilarating driving experience rooted in DTM racing heritage. For those seeking the ultimate comparison, ChromeCars presents a unique opportunity to acquire both immaculate examples of the Evolution I and Evolution II, allowing for a firsthand appreciation of the evolution of this legendary model. The Evo 1 Mercedes, often overshadowed by its more flamboyant sibling, stands as a crucial first step in the creation of a true DTM icon.
