1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E

The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E was offered solely with gasoline power, as the diesel engine was no longer offered. The 158.6 cubic-inch inline-6 had overhead-camshafts, a 9.2:1 compression, multi-point fuel injection, and delivered 158 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 RPM. A five-speed manual transmission was standard or an optional four-speed automatic. The 190E four-door sedan was priced at $31,600 making it the most affordable model in the vehicle's lineup.

190E 2.5-16 Evolution and Evolution II
The introduction of the BMW M3 Sport Evolution prompted Mercedes-Benz to build a worthy competitor. In March of 1989, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution at the Geneva Auto Show. Called the Evo I, it added wider wheel arches and a new spoiler. Numerous modifications were made under the skin including the suspension and brakes. The SLS suspension allowed the vehicle height to be adjusted from an interior switch. A total of 502 examples were built which homologated the 190E for DTM competition.

For customers seeking even more power and performance, Mercedes offered a Powerpack option, engineered by AMG, which was available for DM18,000 with an additional 30 horsepower. In March of 1990, at the Geneva Auto Show, the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II was introduced. Prior to its unveiling, the 502 units were already sold. The 'Evo II' came with the AMG Powerpack fitted to the short-stroke 2.5-liter engine of the Evolution, along with a full SLS suspension system, larger brakes, and stiffer springing. The 2.5-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine developed 231 horsepower and gave the Evo II a top speed of 155 mph, and a zero-to-sixty mph time of 8.1 seconds. The exterior added a radical body kit with a large adjustable rear wing, Evolution II 17-inch wheels, and a rear window spoiler.

Within a few months after the launch, Mercedes-Benz had built the 502 cars required for Group A homologation. During the 1992 season, Klaus Ludwig clinched the DTM Championship for Mercedes-Benz with the 'Evo 2.'

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2021