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.

The History Of The 190e 16v Model: There was a time when cars were designed out of a passion for motor sports; one of these cars is the Mercedes Benz 190e 16v. To understand the uniqueness of this automobile we must return the late 70's when planners were conceiving the 190 class and its top model, the 16V. Mercedes thought rallying was the best arena to showcase their new model line, but this plan quickly changed to road racing. As a result, Mercedes strongly desired to promote the new model’s attributes and showcase its’ abilities in motor sports.

5-Link Rear EndContributing to the fantastic driving dynamics is the now famous multilink rear suspension. It was first released on the 190 series and was instrumental in providing sporty and competitive handling. Mercedes also collaborated with engine building masters, Cosworth Technology Ltd. to help develop the 16 valve cylinder head with mechanical valve lifters. They came up with 185bhp from 2.3 litres and 204bhp from the 2.5 model which may not sound like a lot (compared to today’s engines) but don’t forget this was 1983 (almost 20 years ago) and the car was lightweight compared to today’s heavy weights.

Record Breaking Nardo RunIn the summer of 1983, the 190E 2.3 16V set out to break as many long distance high speed FIA records as possible at Nardo, Italy. After 202 hours of continuous running, multiple records were broken including the 50,000 km level at an average speed of 248 kph (154mph). Very impressive when you consider they had to stop to refuel, change drivers and service the car while the clock was ticking. During these endurance trials there were some minor aerodynamic modifications including removal of the mirrors and wipers. In addition, a lower rear axle ratio permitted a higher top speed but overall this car was almost stock and reflected well on the entire 190 series.

May 84 was a monumental time for the 16V. The new Nurburgring racetrack was hosting its first F1 race and a 16V won the supporting race. All the cars were 16V’s driven by many former world champions. Moss, Lauda, and Hill were all beaten by a young upstart driver named Senna.

W201 DTM CarThe DTM race series became popular around this time so Mercedes entered multiple cars after satisfying the rules stipulation that required 5,000 road going versions to be built. BMW entered DTM with its enthralling M3, which was a direct rival to the 190. Competition forced Mercedes Benz to enlarge engine capacity to 2.5 liters and eventually release a more advanced Evolution 1 and 2 versions with more aerodynamic aids and horsepower. At this point, the famous engine tuner, AMG, was called upon to create a team of their own. Mercedes and AMG went on to win over 50 DTM races and numerous titles, which solidified their dedication to motor sports, which lives on to this day.

Since Mercedes created the car for racing it has features like a Getrag gearbox with dogleg first. The pneumatic rear suspension keeps the tires in contact with the road. An aerodynamic package was fitted, which consisted of a front spoiler, wheel arches, side skirts, rear valance and rear wing.

ABS BrakesABS brakes are standard as well as brake cooling ducts to keep brake temperatures under control. Black leather covers the incredibly comfortable electric sports seats. Mercedes Benz had added a stopwatch, voltmeter and oil temp gauge to the lower center console backing up its motor sports intentions. In the rear, there are only two Recaro seats with supportive side bolsters, which makes this a 4-passenger vehicle only.

 

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