When it comes to enthusiast vehicles, few are as sought after or or as celebrated as genuine homologation specials. These race-bred machines help to skew the line between the road and the racetrack, while limited production numbers almost always help to drive value. The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II is one of the most iconic of all the homologation racers, and now you have a chance to purchase a pristine example from Speedart Motorsports.
The 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II was the final model in the Stuttgart automaker’s run of DTM homologation cars from the late Eighties and early Nineties. The line began in 1983 with the arrival of the 190E 2.3-16, which featured a Cosworth inline-four initially designed for rallying. Of course, Audi’s Quattro properly mucked those plans up, and Mercedes instead eyed the German Touring Car Championship for the hot 190E. Mercedes’ participation in the series would inspire BMW to create the M3, and the sports sedan showdown we know and love today was born.
By the time 1990 rolled around, the battle for DTM glory had escalated. By then, the 190E had received a larger 2.5-liter Cosworth inline-four deemed the M102 E25/2, which featured a larger bore and a shorter stroke than the 2.3-liter lump it replaced. The Evolution II also came standard with the previously optional AMG PowerPack, which saw output reach 232 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. This was the last racing engine developed under Mercedes’ own moniker before AMG would take up the mantle. The engine was mated to a five-speed dogleg manual gearbox. For the full story, check out this article from Road & Track.
