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The Evolution models
With the debut of the BMW M3
Sport Evolution, Mercedes' direct competitor, it became obvious that
the 2.5-16 needed a boost for the circuit. In March 1989, the 190E
2.5-16 Evolution debuted at the Geneva Auto Show.
The EvoI, as it came to be called, featured a more aggressive bodykit
including a new spoiler and wider wheel arches, although many of the
changes were to under-the-skin components such as brakes and suspension
as well as 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.
In terms of performance the EvoI's output was, on paper, identical
to the 202 bhp of the "regular" 2.5-16. However this car had a
redesigned engine of similar capacity but, most importantly, a 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".
Only 502 units of the Evolution model were produced for homologation in compliance with DTM rules. For those customers desiring even more performance an option PowerPack option engineered by AMG
was available for merely DM18,000. The PowerPack option included hotter
camshafts, a larger diameter throttle body, more aggressive ignition
and fuel management as well as optimization of the intake and exhaust
systems. The net result was an additional 30 bhp.
While the Evolution I model did quite well, engineers knew that the 190E could be improved further. In March 1990, again at the Geneva Auto Show,
the 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II was shown. With the success of the first
Evolution model, this model's 502-unit production was already sold
before it was unveiled. This car retailed in 1990 for US$80,000.
The "Evo II" included the AMG PowerPack fitted to the same short
stroke 2.5 engine as the Evolution, as well as a full SLS suspension
allowing vehicle ride height to be adjusted from an interior switch.
Again the most obvious modification to the Evolution II is a radically
designed body kit designed by Prof. Richard Eppler from the University
of Stuttgart, with a very large adjustable rear wing, rear window
spoiler, and unique Evolution II 17 inch wheels. That body kit served
an aerodynamic purpose — it was wind tunnel tested to reduce drag to
0.29 while at the same time increasing downforce. Period anecdotes tell
of a BMW executive who was quoted as saying "if that rear wing works,
we'll have to redesign our wind tunnel.". The anecdote claims that BMW
did.
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