The word ‘evolution’ is predictably close to evo’s heart, and the badge has graced several iconic performance vehicles over the year – Mitsubishis, Lancia’s, BMWs and more. Not the catchiest of names it has to be said, but its application more than justifies the moniker.
In 1984 things began to change, with the introduction of the 185hp 190E 2.3-16 – colloquially referred to with the name of the company that honed its four-cylinder power plant – Cosworth. The aim was to compete with BMW’s M3 in the Deutche Tourenwagen Masters, though in production form the car is best known for the driver who won a publicity race at the new Nurburgring grand prix circuit – a young Ayrton Senna.
The young Brazilian – at the time, a relatively unknown rookie driver in Formula 1 – surprised all by taking his 190 Cosworth to the win against names like Lauda, Prost and Hunt.
The Evo 2 was introduced in 1990 and had a number of cosmetic and mechanical changes including a wild-for-its-time aerodynamics package, an in-car adjustable suspension, improved brakes, bigger 17-inch wheels, and a reworked AMG 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 235 horsepower.
Only 502 street going Evo 2s were made, and all production models were available only in black. But the last two, numbers 501 and 502 were made in astral silver and were retained by Mercedes Benz.
Racing versions went on to be very competitive in the DTM racing series and battled head-to-head against the best from BMW and Audi, including the E30 BMW M3 Evo. T
The EVO2 made it's debut at the Nordschleife circuit and it looked like the introduction of the EVO1 a year before. Best training time, leading in the race, however both cars of Ludwig and Thiim broke down. During the season all factory teams changed to the EVO2 model. The season started with ca. 333pk/ 8500rpm but at the end the engines reached up to 360bhp, especially because some teams used special fuels that was used in the F1 as well.
1 Oktober the AMG Company became a part of the Mercedes-Benz company. AMG cars were then to be sold via the Mercedes network worldwide. From then AMG became also responsible for the development of Group A cars on behalf of Mercedes. Bad luck this season for Mercedes and strong competition of the M3 Evo and new Audi V8
1991 - New records
Because Audi won the 1990 championship 'pretty easy' in the first year, BMW and Mercedes demanded more weight for the Audi. But at the end Audi's weight remained the same and BMW and Mercedes were allowed with 60kg less. But to bring the Mercedes 190 down in weight would be very expensive
Opel with the Omega EVO was still no match for the competition, therefore they were concentrating on developing the Opel Calibra for the upcoming Class 1 reglement.
Opel brought a new Omega at the start based on the new Evo 500, but still no good results because the competition made a lot of progress too. Big factory teams with big budgets, privateers no chance
In 1991 there were 4 official Mercedes factory teams in the DTM. Mercedes started the season with 4 teams MS-racing, Snobeck, AMG and new team Zakspeed. It was a very exciting season and close fights between the different brands. A lot of damage too because the differences were very small. Mercedes had lot of bad luck this season, too bad because the car was competitive. Audi won the season and Ludwig became second in the championship with Mercedes. This season lead again to new records, 652.000 spectators, 216 million TV viewers in Germany and 100 million abroad.
1992 - Mercedes DTM champion
Opel with the Omega EVO was still no match for the competition, therefore they were concentrating on developing the Opel Calibra for the upcoming Class 1 reglement.
3 official Mercedes teams were participating this season, AMG, Mass-Schons and Zakspeed with 8 cars at the start. 2 Privateers with Armin Bernhard and Olaf Manthey. Snobeck started in France with 2 EVO2's driven in the Super Tourisme Championship
Audi was soon out of the title race and even stopped half the season. Therefore the battle was between the only 2 brands left in the series BMW and Mercedes. Mercedes got power steering and power-assisted brakes, a new six speed transmission where you don't need to use the clutch to shift up. 380 bhp. Mercedes was very strong this season. But differences were so small that tires were determinative. Ludwig won the season and it was a very succesful year for Mercedes.
1991 - New records
TV viewers in Germany and 100 million abroad.
It is clear that these cars are now extremely rare in the collector’s cars market place. Very few, if 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. We are currently aware of only two that reside here in Sunny South Africa.
