Mercedes Benz 190 Evo 1

With the debut of the BMW M3 Sport Evolution, ercedes' direct competitor, t became obvious that the 2.5-16 needed a boost for the circuit. In March 1989, he 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution debuted at the Geneva Auto Show. The Evo I, s it came to be called, ad a new spoiler and wider wheel arches. Many changes were made to under-the-skin components such as brakes and suspension. There was 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.

The Evo I's output is similar to the 202bhp (151kW) of the "regular" 2.5-16. However this car had a redesigned engine of similar capacity but, ost importantly, 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".[12] Cosworth also list a project code "WAC" for the development of the short-stroke Evolution engine.[8][11]

Only 502 units of the Evolution model were produced for homologation in compliance with DTM rules. For those customers desiring even more performance, PowerPack option engineered by AMG was available for DM 18,000. The PowerPack option included hotter camshafts, larger diameter throttle body, ore aggressive ignition and fuel management as well as optimization of the intake and exhaust systems. The net result was an additional 30bhp (22kW).

It is clear that these cars are now extremely rare in the collectors cars market place. Very few, f any have returned for resale in Europe as these cars are now clearly in the hands of long term collectors or are in personal storage.

''If you are lucky enough to own one, doubt you'll ever see another on the road''.

So what does make the Evolution models different? What do they have that the other 16V models dont?
If you're wondering this, hen read on.
We confirm what is actually different on the Evolution models.

The Evolution 1 had 16" wheels (8J x 16 H 2 ET 34) similar in design to the standard 16V models.
The Evolution 2 had 17" flat 5 spoke design wheels.
Both of the Evolutions wheels were larger and wider than the standard 16V models.

On both Evolution models the engine was changed to a shorter stroke, quarer engine than the normal 16V models.
They were slightly less in Capacity (2463) than the 2.5_16 but still enough to keep them 2.5 litre. The cylinder heads were designed and built by mercedes-benz, hich had slightly bigger bores than the 16Valves.
Most of the internal parts were upgraded to the sort of spec required for motorsport use and high revving.
Bosch injection system was altered to allow slightly better flow than the 16v models.
Engine management systems were still bosch but of a slighlty different tune.
Gearbox,s remained Getrag dogleg box's but with a different gearing ratio.

The brakes on the Evolution models were significantly better than the type of brakes on the standard 16V models. The Evos were fitted with large four pot brakes up front to anchor the car down when pressed.
Suspension on the Evolutions consisted of full SLS (self levelling suspension) allround, djustable by a switch to three ride heights. The standard 16V models were only fitted with rear SLS, nless it was an extra on the 2.5_16.

The main body of the Evolutions had various different panels from the standard 16v models. These were Front outer wings, ront inner wheel houses, ront strut tops, irewall panel, ear outer wings, ear inner wheel houses, oot floor front, oot floor rear and back seat / parcel shelf panel.
On the Evolution 1 the bodykit panels that differed from the normal 16valves consisted of extended wheel arches, ront bumper spoiler, ront bumper spoiler splitter, ear bootlid spoiler, ideskirt trims and rear bumper side extensions.