With a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine developed with the help of Cosworth, delivering a maximum power output of 235 hp at 7,200 rpm and 245 Nm at 5,000 rpm, transmitted by a five-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II presents figures that, in truth, may not impress today.
Nevertheless, its aggressive design allows us to understand that this is a model with a very specific purpose. In fact, the Evolution II is the latest evolution of the car developed to outperform its long-time rival (the BMW M3 E30) in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) – the German touring car championship. Fulfilling the purpose of function over form, the pronounced rear wing and front splitter (both adjustable), as well as the rear spoiler, make the car sit firmly on the road with an aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.29.
A total of 502 units were produced, with number 351 on display from Tuesday to Sunday at the Museu do Caramulo.