Italian company recreates classic Mercedes 190 Evo II with 765 hp engine By Luís Henrique Costa
5 min read
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One of the most iconic sedans of the 1990s has just gained a contemporary interpretation focused on extremely high performance. The Italian company Vespera Automobili has revealed its latest restoration and deep modification project, officially named Vespera Iride Evo 5. The vehicle is born as a direct tribute to the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190 Evo II, a car that marked an era on European tracks and streets. To understand the historical weight of this recreation, the original model from the German automaker had only 502 units manufactured in 1990, a fundamental requirement for homologation in the DTM touring championship, where it fought memorable battles against the BMW M3 E30.
In this new interpretation, the European workshop decided to maintain the classic silhouette that made the car famous, but replaced practically all of the original components with cutting-edge technologies. The manufacturer’s central objective was to deliver a level of drivability comparable to that of current supercars, without losing the visual essence that attracts collectors around the world. The entire assembly process takes place strictly by hand, requiring hundreds of hours of specialized work to complete each piece ordered.
Structural transformation and intensive use of competition materials
To achieve the rigorous weight and torsional rigidity standards required by the new mechanical assembly, the factory bodywork was entirely discarded in favor of molded carbon fiber panels. This drastic change allowed designers to significantly alter the sedan’s dimensions. The total width of the vehicle has grown by exactly 20 centimeters compared to the car from the 90s, as a result of a 9.9 centimeter widening on each side. This gain in proportion accommodates wider axles and provides an aggressive stance on the asphalt.
The aerodynamic package also received special attention from the design team. The rear features a large spoiler, while the sides have redesigned skirts and new air intakes positioned just behind the wheel arches. At the front, the lighting system abandoned the old halogen lamps to adopt full LED projectors, ensuring nighttime visibility suitable for the speeds the car can reach. The set rides on OZ Rally Racing brand rims, a choice that reinforces the visual connection with rally and touring vehicles of the past.
A peculiar detail on the painting demonstrates the demanding level of the project. The presentation unit was painted in a shade called Montreal Green, contrasting with gold elements. However, the manufacturer has established a strict rule: as soon as a customer chooses a specific color for their car, that shade is permanently banned from the company’s catalog. This guarantees that there will never be two identical copies traveling around the world.
Revamped mechanical engineering to deliver extreme power
The heart of the project required in-depth intervention by the engineers at the Italian workshop. Instead of adopting a modern engine from another brand, the team chose to preserve the German lineage using the Mercedes M103 six-cylinder in-line block. In its factory configuration, this engine displaced 2.6 liters and operated with natural aspiration. After complete disassembly, the volumetric capacity was increased to 3.0 liters.
To withstand the brutal increase in strength, the interior of the block received high-strength forged pistons and connecting rods. The big performance breakthrough, however, came with the installation of a turbocharger supercharging system, calibrated to operate at high pressures. This force is managed by a six-speed manual gearbox, a technical decision that goes against the current trend towards automated dual-clutch transmissions, but which meets the desire of purists for greater interaction with the machine.
Traction remains exclusively on the rear wheels, controlled by a limited-slip differential that helps distribute force efficiently during sharp accelerations and cornering. The official numbers released by the automaker reveal the impact of these modifications on the vehicle’s behavior:
- Maximum measured power of 765 horsepower.
- Brutal torque of 913 Nm available to the rear wheels.
- Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds.
- Estimated maximum speed of around 300 km/h.
- Total weight of the set contained in 1,450 kilograms.
Participation of experts and focus on driving dynamics
The development of the chassis and suspension setup did not occur in isolation within the company’s laboratories. The project included technical consultancy from Loris Capirossi, a widely respected name in the world of motor sports and known for his vast collection of exclusive vehicles. The driver’s experience was essential in fine-tuning the steering’s responses and ensuring that excess power did not make the car unruly on winding roads.
The braking system had to be oversized to handle the new speeds reached by the sedan. The engineers sought inspiration from the brakes used by the original competition model, but applied modern friction compounds and multi-piston calipers capable of safely stopping the vehicle. The calibration of the entire dynamic system aims to provide an analogue experience, where the driver feels the mechanical reactions without excessive interference from electronic assistance systems.
Exclusivity in interior finishing and made-to-order sales model
Although the external structure and powertrain are already defined, the sports car’s cabin is still undergoing the final design adjustments. The philosophy adopted for the interior mixes the spartan environment of racing cars with the luxury demanded by high-end buyers. The coverings combine exposed carbon fiber panels with areas covered in natural leather and Alcantara fabric, materials that help reduce weight and prevent unwanted reflections while driving.
The configuration of the cabin follows the same premise as the exterior painting: the customer has complete freedom to choose textures, stitching and the shape of the seats. The brand’s intention is to deliver an authentic handmade touring vehicle, where comfort on longer journeys is not sacrificed for the rigidity of the chassis. Each button and lever is being designed to convey solidity and tactile precision.
The acquisition of a copy follows an extremely discreet manner. The manufacturer does not disclose the base price of the project on its official channels, reserving this information only for potential buyers who go through a screening process. This commercial strategy reinforces the brand’s positioning in the ultra-high luxury niche, treating each automobile as a work of mechanical art destined for the garages of discerning collectors.
