SEMA 2019: 190E ‘Evil Evo’ Is a DTM Racer with a Serious Punch
While it may be sacrilege to some, this M-B 190E Evo at SEMA 2019 had a twin-turbo LS3 and looks like it belongs on the track.
The Mercedes 190E Evo was quite a departure from the German powerhouse’s tradition. While it still features many of the creature comforts you would expect to see in a Merc, it features a lot you wouldn’t expect on a road-going example. From the factory, the 190E EVO comes with widened fenders featuring big, brash flares, a very low-sitting stance, and a big old wing. Frankly, we love these things. It’s just so bonkers and over the top, and we could never get enough.
Keeping that in mind, when we ran across this 190E at SEMA Show 2019, we couldn’t keep away the smiles. Car builders F7LTHY Fabrications Laboratory brought this monster to the Toyo Tires Treadpass between SEMA convention halls. While this car didn’t start its life as an Evo, it has grown into something astounding. It features wide fender flares, with bumpers and side skirts to fit the new width. Additionally, it sits nice and low on Fifteen52 Turbomacs.
The most significant departure from its heritage sits under the hood. A Texas Speed sourced LS3 with two big, beautiful Precision turbochargers. There is no doubt that this beast has all the power it could ever need. While many are not fond of the LS swaps appearing everywhere, we can’t argue its benefits. But can it handle all the power?
It sure looks like it! With the massive wing in the back and that devilish looking rear splitter, it seems like it’s ready to eat any road course you throw at it. We would love to run across this thing at a track day event!
The race inspiration doesn’t stop on the outside. The interior sees a fully customized dash, a full roll cage and racing seats with harnesses. A custom center console assembly and switch panel completes the full racecar outlook.
Overall, this monster is genuinely inspiring. Seeing how far this car came from its stock form on their Instagram account is nuts, and it couldn’t be cooler. We applaud the F7LTHY team for creating this fantastic 190E, and thank Toyo for hosting it at SEMA!
Photos by MBWorld Editor Derin Richardson