Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Jay Leno has been searching for this car since the day it came out, but it has always eluded him. The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E Evo II was built as a "BMW killer" to compete in the DTM race series, and only 502 were ever made. This rare example comes from the Audrain Museum collection in Newport, Rhode Island, and has just 8,000 kilometers on the odometer.
Jay sits down with Sean O'Donnell from the Audrain Museum to discuss the car's unique features, including its 2.5-liter Cosworth-developed engine with a 16-valve head, which produces about 230 horsepower and a redline of 7,700 RPM. They also examine the famous aerodynamic body kit, which was designed by a professor at the University of Stuttgart to improve the car's drag coefficient and increase downforce. The car also features hydraulic, adjustable suspension, and 17-inch alloy wheels—a first for Mercedes-Benz.
Jay, who admits he was a "snob" when the car was new, now appreciates its unique blend of race-car-like handling and solid Mercedes-Benz build quality. He notes that it feels lighter and more nimble than a typical Mercedes, and he's especially impressed by the car's low mileage, which gives it the feeling of being "brand new."
This episode is a must-see for anyone who grew up with this car as a poster on their wall.
Shop car care and detailing supplies from Jay Leno’s Garage: lenosgarage.com/shine
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#JayLenosGarage #MercedesBenz #EvoII #ClassicCars #DTM #Cosworth #BMWKiller #VintageCars #Mercedes190E #RareCar
ABOUT JAY LENO'S GARAGE
A new video every Monday! Visit Jay Leno's Garage, the Emmy-winning series where Jay Leno gives car reviews, motorcycle reviews, compares cars, and shares his passion and expertise on anything that rolls, explodes, and makes noise. Classic cars, restomods, super cars like the McLaren P1, sports cars like Porsche 918 Spyder and Camaro Z28, cafe racers, vintage cars, and much, much more.
Jay Leno has been searching for this car since the day it came out, but it has always eluded him. The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E Evo II was built as a "BMW killer" to compete in the DTM race series, and only 502 were ever made. This rare example comes from the Audrain Museum collection in Newport, Rhode Island, and has just 8,000 kilometers on the odometer.
Jay sits down with Sean O'Donnell from the Audrain Museum to discuss the car's unique features, including its 2.5-liter Cosworth-developed engine with a 16-valve head, which produces about 230 horsepower and a redline of 7,700 RPM. They also examine the famous aerodynamic body kit, which was designed by a professor at the University of Stuttgart to improve the car's drag coefficient and increase downforce. The car also features hydraulic, adjustable suspension, and 17-inch alloy wheels—a first for Mercedes-Benz.
Jay, who admits he was a "snob" when the car was new, now appreciates its unique blend of race-car-like handling and solid Mercedes-Benz build quality. He notes that it feels lighter and more nimble than a typical Mercedes, and he's especially impressed by the car's low mileage, which gives it the feeling of being "brand new."
This episode is a must-see for anyone who grew up with this car as a poster on their wall.
Shop car care and detailing supplies from Jay Leno’s Garage: lenosgarage.com/shine
» Subscribe: bit.ly/JLGSubscribe
THE BEST OF JAY LENO'S GARAGE
» Exclusive First Looks: bit.ly/JLGExclusives
» Ultra Rare Supercars: bit.ly/JLGSupercars
» Jay's Book Club: bit.ly/JLGBookClub
JAY LENO'S GARAGE ON SOCIAL
Facebook: facebook.com/JayLenosGarage
Twitter: twitter.com/LenosGarage
Instagram: instagram.com/jaylenosgarage
TikTok: tiktok.com/@jaylenosgarageofficial
#JayLenosGarage #MercedesBenz #EvoII #ClassicCars #DTM #Cosworth #BMWKiller #VintageCars #Mercedes190E #RareCar
ABOUT JAY LENO'S GARAGE
A new video every Monday! Visit Jay Leno's Garage, the Emmy-winning series where Jay Leno gives car reviews, motorcycle reviews, compares cars, and shares his passion and expertise on anything that rolls, explodes, and makes noise. Classic cars, restomods, super cars like the McLaren P1, sports cars like Porsche 918 Spyder and Camaro Z28, cafe racers, vintage cars, and much, much more.
