This Stunning Mercedes-Benz 190 Evo II Restomod Packs 765 Horsepower

Italian boutique firm Vespera Automobili has unveiled the Iride Evo 5, a carbon-fiber restomod of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190 EVO II that blends retro cues with modern supercar performance. The body is entirely hand-built from carbon fiber, with the track widened by 3.9 inches per side for a total increase of 7.9 inches over the original 190. The widened stance is accentuated by aggressive side skirts, large rear wheel arch vents, and a massive rear wing, giving the car a muscular, track-focused presence. The design pays homage to the 1990s Group A DTM homologation special while reimagining every panel in modern materials. The powertrain is a heavily modified version of Mercedes’ classic inline-six, starting life as the 2.6-liter M103. Vespera bored and stroked it to 3.0 liters, reinforced it with forged internals, and added forced induction to produce 765 horsepower and 671 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential to the rear wheels. The Iride Evo 5 sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and tops out at 186 mph, all while tipping the scales at just 3,197 pounds. The braking system is derived from the original 190 EVO II, while the manual transmission is a deliberate choice to keep the driving experience tactile and engaging. The interior is still under finalization but will feature a blend of carbon fiber, leather, and Alcantara, with bespoke finishes tailored to each customer. Vespera is offering full customization, ensuring every Iride Evo 5 is a one-off. The exterior can be painted in any exclusive color, with each chosen shade removed from the palette to guarantee uniqueness. The model was first shown in Montreal Green with gold accents, but customers can select their own color scheme. Lighting is handled by full-LED headlights, and the wheels are iconic OZ Racing units. The price has not been officially announced and is disclosed only to serious buyers, reflecting the car’s status as a hand-built, commissioned piece for the most discerning collectors. Vespera developed the project in collaboration with Loris Capirossi, a renowned car enthusiast and collector, underscoring the blend of heritage and cutting-edge engineering.