190E 2.3-16 valve & 2.5-16 valve "Cosworth" - CONTINUED

The Evolution models
Although the Mercedes 190e and Mercedes 190 models were well received the Mercedes Benz 190e 2.3 16 and Mercedes Benz 190e 2.5 16 were the real winners. However, Mercedes needed to fight back With the debut of the BMW M3 Sport Evolution, Mercedes' direct competitor, it became obvious that the 2.5-16 needed a boost for the circuit. In March 1989, the 190E 2.5-16 Evolution debuted at the Geneva Auto Show. The EvoI, as it came to be called, featured a more aggressive bodykit including a new spoiler and wider wheel arches, although many of the changes were to under-the-skin components such as brakes and suspension as well as a full SLS suspension allowing vehicle ride height to be adjusted from an interior switch. All were intended to allow the Evolution cars to be even more effective round a track.

In terms of performance the EvoI's output was, on paper, identical to the 202 bhp of the "regular" 2.5-16. However this car had a redesigned engine of similar capacity but, most importantly, a shorter stroke and bigger bore which would allow for a higher rev limit and improved top-end power capabilities. Additional changes stretch to "rotating masses lightened, lubrication improved and cam timing altered".

Only 502 units of the Evolution model were produced for homologation in compliance with DTM rules. For those customers desiring even more performance an option PowerPack option engineered by AMG was available for merely DM18,000. The PowerPack option included hotter camshafts, a larger diameter throttle body, more aggressive ignition and fuel management as well as optimization of the intake and exhaust systems. The net result was an additional 30 bhp. While the Evolution I model did quite well, engineers knew that the 190E could be improved further. In March 1990, again at the Geneva Auto Show, the 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II was shown. With the success of the first Evolution model, this model's 502-unit production was already sold before it was unveiled. This car retailed in 1990 for $80,000.

The "Evo II" included the AMG PowerPack fitted to the same short stroke 2.5 engine as the Evolution, as well as a full SLS suspension allowing vehicle ride height to be adjusted from an interior switch. Again the most obvious modification to the Evolution II is a radically designed body kit designed by Prof. Richard Eppler from the University of Stuttgart, with a very large adjustable rear wing, rear window spoiler, and unique Evolution II 17 inch wheels. That body kit served an aerodynamic purpose — it was wind tunnel tested to reduce drag to 0.29 while at the same time increasing downforce. Period anecdotes tell of a BMW executive who was quoted as saying "if that rear wing works, we'll have to redesign our wind tunnel.". The anecdote claims that BMW did.

The 16v AMG Power pack
Fitted as standard to the Evolution II models, and optional on Evolution models, the AMG Power Pack increased power to 232 bhp (171 kW) at 7,200 rpm and torque to 181 lbft at 5,000 rpm, whilst pushing the top speed up to 155 mph. In their final incarnations, these engines produced up to 420 bhp in racing tune.

The Evolution models and all other 190 with 16 valves get supported by the Mercedes 190 Owners Club. Further information can be found on www.mercedes190.co.uk.

AMG Models
At the time of the 190's production, AMG was not a part of Mercedes-Benz, but a separate tuning company in its own right. Therefore there are no 'official' AMG versions of the 190E in the same vein as today's AMG cars. AMG did produce a number of 190Es with their own 3.2 development of the straight-six engine, producing approximately 220 bhp.