**CAR OF THE WEEK! Friday 13/04/12**

160
United Kingdom
Manchester/England
webbithegooner
Announcing the 10th installment of the Car of the Week series.

A chance for everyone on GTPlanet to get behind the wheel of the same car and give it a thorough going over. The aim is to get people driving what they wouldn't usually drive, or cars that may have been overlooked. They may be great, they may be terrible, but as part of GT5 they deserve discussion right here.

People can show off their amazing photos, trade tuning tips, race one another and review that weeks nominated car. Lap times can be posted, top speeds and acceleration times compared and tips on handling discussed.

We are starting to develop a brilliant bunch of regular contributors but I very much encourage everyone to get involved and have their say. Every week a poster will be picked for their contribution in that weeks thread to pick the star car for the following week. Ask anyone that has so far been chosen to pick and I am sure they will tell you what an honor it is! So get involved and it could be you!

Next week I will be away on a real life road trip so the custodian of this thread will be one of our very best COTW reviewers; McClarenDesign. He will pick the deserving person and get the thread up on Friday, so don't worry, you won't miss your fix.

So, without further ado, this weeks star car of the week.

Big thanks to We Are Alfisti, whose pics of the Lancia Delta S4 wowed me enough to give him the nod to pick this weeks COTW. I am so very glad I did because this weeks car is one of my favorites.

The Mercedes Benz 190 E 2.5- 16 Evolution II 91'

MERCEDESBENZ190E2-5-16EvolutionII-medium-1368_4.jpg


So get behind the wheel of the big German brute, plant your foot to the floor and share with the world what happens next!
 
So get behind the wheel of the big German brute, plant your foot to the floor and share with the world what happens next!

A facefull of Armco probably! :grumpy:

This one will need some care to drive fast I think.
 
Just noticed the touring car version is in the OCD right now should anyone wish to do a double review.

I love this car. Never before has such a ridiculous massive rear wing just looked sooo right.

If this car were a human it would be Dolph Lundgren - Engineering brilliance, hard as nails looks and a talent for direction (If that doesn't get people onto wikipedia nothing will!).
 
Just noticed the touring car version is in the OCD right now should anyone wish to do a double review.

I love this car. Never before has such a ridiculous massive rear wing just looked sooo right.

If this car were a human it would be Dolph Lundgren - Engineering brilliance, hard as nails looks and a talent for direction (If that doesn't get people onto wikipedia nothing will!).

Double review, eh? Challenge accepted! Admittedly, this week will be tough, thanks in part to the F1 schedule.

Incidentally, also the car Lewis_Hamilton_ handed me my (expletive) in. Good choice. Good driver.
 
Another great choice, and I have driven both versions of this model quite a bit in GT5. Looking forward to the reviews!

Have a good one 👍
 
Glad you like my choice and thanks to Turismo.M.G! for giving me the chance of choosing the COTW. I'll post some pics later :). Waiting for the reviews 👍
 
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Great choice of car this week. I'm currently recovering from surgery at the moment, so I might not be able to contribute much this week. But I shall read this thread with interest.
 
jedisteampunk
Great choice of car this week. I'm currently recovering from surgery at the moment, so I might not be able to contribute much this week. But I shall read this thread with interest.

Get well soon :)
 
Great choice of car this week. I'm currently recovering from surgery at the moment, so I might not be able to contribute much this week. But I shall read this thread with interest.

Suck it up, buttercup. J/k, have a speedy recovery. You owe us posts for the weeks you miss. Just sayin.



Prophetic choice for Car of the Week. Mercedes has pole this weekend. AND won!
 
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-McClarenDesign's-

Very Serious SLS AMG Review of the Car of the Week N Stuff

"Another driver would be fired, but Vettel has the confidence of being a double world champion." -Hans-Joachim Stuck

Week 10: 1991 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5- 16 Evolution II and 1992 AMG Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5- 16 Evolution II Touring Car

Having sustained injuries last week, I was rather surprised when my physician gave me permission to return to work this week. Perhaps I'd been blessed with genes that enabled a miraculous recovery, but judging from the Porsche my good doctor is now driving, I'm more inclined to believe that he was bribed.

I was hoping this week would be easy. Perhaps the office had arranged a nice, comfy, sensible car to test while I recovered from being wrapped in a guardrail. When I showed up, I found a Benz with a spoiler. So much for easy. Looking at the trunk, I see it's the 190 E, and from the spoiler I can tell that it's no ordinary 190, but the Evolution II. How am I supposed to recover from whiplash while coping with G-forces in corners? No doubt I'll be expected to drive like I'm on fire, and with last week's injuries, it'll certainly feel like it.
Producer
We've got a celebrity guest star this week.
Oh, really? Who? Ralph Nader? No, no, let me guess, someone even more useless. George W.?
Producer
Lewis Hamilton
Praise Jesus, I'm healed! It's a miracle!!!
NrburgringGP_F_2.jpg

Homologation. You're going to be hearing that word a lot, but what it means is that in order to qualify for Group A in the DTM, you've got to produce a minimum amount of race cars for the road. Normally, I'd scoff at such ridiculous rear wings on cars such as this, but this is no ordinary wing. It's a multi-million dollar wing, simply because it forced BMW to completely redesign their wind tunnel.

It's also the car that sold AMG. When Mercedes commissioned AMG to design the car, it was so well received that Mercedes decided to purchase the company outright. If you're SLS AMG is very serious, you can thank this car for it. Enjoy your Black Series? You're welcome. With our guest driver and this car, there's no finer pedigree in all of motorsport.

Okay, we could've gotten Schumacher. But he's too busy teaching the mechanics how to proper change a tire. Rosberg would've been nice, but he's far too liquored up to be behind the wheel of anything. Instead, we'll have to rely on Mercedes "B-squad", McLaren.
Producer
One more thing. We need you to test the Touring Car as well.
When do we start?

NrburgringGP_F_3.jpg

Photo: Lewis_Hamilton_

According to Polyphony Digital via Translator-san:
Translator-san
In the early 1980s, German auto manufacturer Mercedes-Benz decided to return to racing after a long absence from motorsports. the car it developed was the 190E 2.3- 16, a sporting model based on the company's 190 series.

The highlight of this car was its engine, based on a 2.3-liter SOHC inline-4 that Mercedes already had in production. A 16-valve DOHC head was developed and the engine was tuned by Cosworth; a race engine builder of note and famous for its Formula 1 power plants. The resulting engine boasted 182 HP and 167.0 ft-lb. of torque.

The 190E 2.3-16 with the Cosworth-tuned engine began racing in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft- better known around the world as DTM- in 1986. By 1988 the car had evolved into the 2.5- 16, giving it a larger displacement engine in the hopes of defeating BMW's M3. This 2.5-liter engine could now make up to 197 HP. A DTM homologation model, known as the 190E 2.5- 16 Evolution, entered limited production in 1989.

A year later, M-B released the ultimate 2.5- 16: the 190E 2.5- 16 Evolution II. On looks alone, the Evolution II looked like a potent machine. Large, bulging fenders had been added at all four corners to accommodate the wide 245/40ZR17 tires, and the trunk now sported a giant wing so large it overhung the rear end.

Only 500 of these 235-ps road cars were ever produced. And the car experienced much success in the DTM in 1992, just as expected.

For nearly 30 years, Mercedes-Benz voluntarily withheld from participating in motorsport. What could constitute such a reluctance to go racing? Well, in 1955, Pierre Levegh's very serious 300 SLR went airborne into a crowd of spectators. 83 were killed, and over 100 more were injured. Despite winning the Mille Miglia that same year with Sir Stirling Moss and his very serious 300 SLR, Mercedes pulled out.

The following video is actual footage of the crash.



NrburgringGP_F_1.jpg


Performance as Purchased: June 4, 2011, Blauschwarz (Black)
Displacement: 2,463 cc
Max. Power: 222 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Max. Torque: 186 ft-lbs. @ 5,000 rpm
Drivetrain: FR
Length: 4,544 mm Height: 1,340 mm Weight: 1340 kg
Tires: Comfort (Soft)
Performance Points: 400
Mileage: 47,552.6 mi.

Before we begin establishing our baseline of performance, let's have a look at what else our intern has delivered from the garage, the 1992 AMG Mercedes-Benz 2.5- 16 Evolution II Touring Car. Leave it to the Germans to put an outrageous wing on a car, then give it a numbered name.

Translator-san...
According to Polyphony Digital via Translator-san:
Translator-san
The 24 Hours of Le Mans was marred by one of the most horrific accidents in the history of motorsports. And in the center of that tragedy was Mercedes-Benz. The company didn't return to big-time motorsports until the mid-1980s. Part of the comeback was led by the compact 190E 2.6- 16 that raced in the 1986 DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, or German Touring Car Championship).

The 190E 2.6- 16 racer was a homologation machine made specifically for touring car races, based on the production 190E. It was powered by a Cosworth-tuned 2.3-liter DOHC inline-4. But the 2.3- 16 failed to produce results, being completely shut out after winning its first two races. Things got even worse the following year when BMW introduced the M3. The 2.3- 16 didn't achieve a single victory.

In 1988, Mercedes-Benz made revisions to the cr and created the 190E 2.5- 16. Displacement for the engine was increased to 2.5 liters, which accounted for 311 HP. In 1990, a large rear wing and wider fenders were added in the "Evolution II" edition. Power once again went up, this time to 328 HP. The Evolution II showed its true power during the 1992 season, boasting 16 wins in 24 races. Mercedes took the top three spots in the driver's points, making the 190E 2.5- 16 the overall winner of that year's DTM series.

Upon receiving both cars, I was greeted by Norbert Haug, who had been sent to us by Mercedes to ensure both cars were fully prepared for the challenges ahead. I assured him Lewis would be along soon, which seemed to surprise Herr Haug. Soon after, we were greeted by a young man in a ridiculous drivers suit, who proceeded to tell us he was Lewis Hamilton.

Upon examination of his driver's license, it appeared he was right. I had been expecting the World Champion from Stevenage, and have been rewarded with the Scourge of Peterborough. In a clown suit. Despite the suit, this Lewis_Hamilton_ assured me he could drive, and we're almost out of time.


Performance as Purchased: May 31, 2011, Black (with stickers)
Displacement: 2,490 cc
Max. Power: 378 hp @ 9,500 rpm
Max. Torque: 234 ft-lbs. @ 7,000 rpm
Drivetrain: FR
Length: CLASSIFIED mm Height: CLASSIFIED mm Weight: 980 kg
Tires: Racing (Hard)
Performance Points: 532
Mileage: 47,552.6 mi.

With Herr Haug and his lab-coat leprechauns, we were able to extract some additional performance from the cars before we could begin testing. The road car yeild 16 hp and an extra 14 Performance Points, which are like the tickets you get when you play skee-ball. Only these tickets are much more expensive, and yielded much less satisfying results.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: Max. hp: 238, Max. PP: 414

Next up was the Touring Car. With an engine refresh came an additional 17 hp, but only 8 Performance Points. At 450,000 Cr., thats 56,200 Cr.-per-Performance Point. 8 Performance Points is the difference between gum and a Tootsie Roll at the arcade, apparently. Might as well throw in another 500,000 Cr. for the body restoration. Then maybe we can get a green, plastic Army man holding binoculars.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: Max. hp: 395, Max. PP: 540
NrburgringGP_F_3.jpg

When we arrive at our super-secret test track, Lewis and I agree to an impromptu drag race. With timing and scoring established, we lined up in our respective cars. He chose the leather and air con, while I get the noise and rage.

Lewis naturally has the better reaction, and leaves the line only fractions ahead of me, on the way to a 0:15.311 quarter-mile time, and just 0:06.918 from 0-60 mph. Although it is heavier, that's still not bad considering the comfort that's built into it. It's still not fast enough to catch me.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: 0-1 mi.: 0:37.514, 0-100 mph: 0:16.537, Max. G-Force: 0.58G, Top Speed: 154.4 mph

Of course, in a Touring Car, you'd expect me to win. Despite the middle-aged reflexes of a donkey, I've still got significantly more power and less weight. As such, I managed a quarter-mile in only 0:12.042 and 0-60 mph in 0:03.927, as well as a migraine from the noise and vibration.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: 0-1 mi.: 0:29.765, 0-100 mph: 0:08.150, Max. G-Force: 0.87, Top Speed: 179.6 mph

NrburgringGP_F_5.jpg

Finally at the Nurburgring, Lewis and I line up to race matching Mercs. I say matching, but Lewis is actually driving one that's been stolen borrowed from one Mr. Jenson Button. Mr. Button recieved the car as a gift from Brawn GP for winning the Championship, and naturally Lewis thought it'd be a perfect match for what we had planned.

At the start, Lewis has the lead going into the first turn, but I'm not far behind. At Mercedes Arena, I'm able to close the gap more, but he isn't making things easy. He might not be the World Champion, but he can drive well, that's for sure. By the end of the first lap, I'm only 0.481 behind.

On the second lap, I'm able to overtake him going into Mercedes again. Waitaminute... "going into Mercedes again?" Isn't that the title of a pornographic film? Nevermind, what matters is the exit of the Arena, where I've taken the lead.

This goes on and on, over and over, lap after lap. When one falls, the other is right there to pick up the pieces. Lewis says the car is "well balanced", while at its limit I feel a bit numb. On the final lap, at Coca-Cola Kurve, I'm able to force Lewis to the outside, and win by only 0.197. He may not be a World Champion, but you couldn't tell by racing with him.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: Fastest Lap- Lewis_Hamilton_: 2:36.684 McClarenDesign: 2:35.819

NrburgringGP_F_7.jpg

Photo: Lewis_Hamilton_

In the Touring Cars, the story repeats itself. Lap after lap is two grown men, banging metal and pounding on their chests, battling for territory. In true DTM fashion, there's a few knocks here and there, just to let the other know you're there. This time, Lewis takes the checkered flags.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: Fastest Lap- Lewis_Hamilton_: 2:07.951 McClarenDesign: 2:08.086

Is tragedy a good reason for withdrawing from motorsport? Having experienced it myself, I can only tell you that having your friends close by certainly helps. Racing against Lewis tonight, we've both come to love and enjoy what Mercedes-Benz brings to the racing world, and could bring in the future. He even thinks the Touring Car belongs in D1GP, but what does he know?

I bet, if my friends were Cosworth and AMG, I'd have gotten over it a lot sooner.




Week 1: 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider 3.0i V6 24V

Week 2: 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 Duetto
Week 3: 2000 Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX (S. Shigeno Ver.)
Week 4: 2007 Audi TT Coupe 3.2 Quattro
Week 5: 1983 Nissan Silvia 240RS (S110) and 1985 Nissan 240RS Rally Car
Week 6: 1973 BMW 2002 Turbo
Week 7: 2004 DMC DeLorean S2
Week 8: 1971 Nissan Fairlady 240ZG (HS30) and 1971 Nissan 240ZG (HS30)
Week 9: 1985 Lancia Delta S4 Rally Car


*The views and opinions expressed in this editorial do not reflect the views and opinions of gtplanet.net, any of its members, nor anyone with an IQ above 3. All views, comments, statements, accusations, claims, data... you know what, just forget you read the whole thing and direct your hate mail/Tame Racing Driver applications to McClarenDesign@gmail.com. NOT FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. The statements made above are similar to your parents; both are fictional. May cause rash or skin irritation. :gtplanet: This ad paid for by Friends of Global Morals support for presidential candidate Jenkins. :gtpflag: GTKitty4Prez :gtpflag:. Please consult doctor before use. Some assembly required. Wardrobe provided courtesy of Levis. McClarenDesign registered very serious SLS AMG. DO NOT ATTEMPT. Consult manual before use. Your mileage may vary. Some restrictions may apply. All stunts performed on public roads without law enforcement supervision. Void where prohibited. All your base are belong to us. Offer not valid to those that breathe air. May cause drowsiness. Some portions of this show have been filmed before a live studio audience.
 
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The touring car version of this...
Was featured in the most frustrating license test ever in gt4.
A nurburg time trial.
Well, I was 8 at the time.
 
FYI, cars, like this one, are limited to 155 mph by electronics, not by their gearing.

Yes but there's no such thing as electronic limiters in this game so I just got as close as I could to one with the gearing setup instead. Besides which most cars like such hit their limiters before top gear so there's no point just fully making it do 155 and no more.
 
Just a reminder, as I'm sure most of you are like me and skim the OP straight to the car, Turismo.M.G! has asked me to look after the thread while he's away conquering the world. Please have your submissions in by Thursday night, and check your inboxes for a PM from me so I can post next weeks car first thing Friday morning.

Thank you, and enjoy the cars!

Edit- More photos

NrburgringGP_F_6.jpg


NrburgringGP_F.jpg


NrburgringGP_F_4.jpg
 
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Nice review and photos McClaren ;)
Cheers

Thanks.

What I didn't tell everyone was that what you see is the 2nd draft. The first was lost when I had just finished it, and was about to start proofreading. Accidentally closed the window, instead of selecting the proper one millimeters away.

At 4 am.

And I had to be at work at 8a.

Sadly, this wasn't as good, but I'm freakin spent and still have to stay up to get my fix tonight and help a new member.

My name is McClarenDesign... I am very serious SLS AMG... and I'm an addict....
 
I wasn't sure this would be as good as the recent choices for COTW, but I'm happy to say I was wrong, it's a great choice.

First up was the standard model for a speed test, 60mph in 7.23 sec is not bad for a heavy 4 door saloon car!

After an oil change and some Sports Hard tyres I also gave it a coat of paint (Mercedes Feueropal) and some new wheels and I think it looks great, mean as hell and ready to go.

So off to my usual COTW track, the Nurburgring for a quick-ish lap in 8:54.0, I have to say this was a "red" lap as I had it on the grass a couple of times.



Oops, but a dab of oppo and I'm away...one for the sniff petrol fans there.

The Merc is looking great so I go back to the Nurburgring GP track to pose for some pics.


Next up is the car that was my nemesis on GT4. I gave up on the game in the end as I couldn't get past the licence test using the Touring Car round the Ring!


In the speed test the Touring Car gets to 60mph in 4.16 secs and 100 in 8.57!

I try the Ring again and manage to get round in a clean lap time of 7:34.0 and it's much more fun this time this would be a very quick racing car in better hands than mine.



Cheers COTW fans.
 
I was surprised by how much grip the stock CS tires gave. I could have pushed harder, but the suspension left me feeling numb and detached.
 


Oops, but a dab of oppo and I'm away...one for the sniff petrol fans there.

"The Merc 190e EVO II is a b*tch, and I spanked it!" Gotta love the 'Queef


Right, I am away for a week now, off on a road trip taking in many of the best driving roads I can think of, a trip to Monaco and Sunday spent at the Nurburgring (in real life!). If I don't find myself at the bottom of the Stelvio Pass in a burning wreck or wrapped around a barrier at The Carousel I will be back for next weeks car. In the mean time, McClarenDesign is the man in the know.


By the way, bit of interesting history for (almost) this car at the 'ring - lifted from wikipedia;

'1984: The new Grand Prix track

To celebrate its opening, an exhibition race was held, on 12 May, featuring an array of notable drivers. Driving identical Mercedes 190E 2.3–16, the line-up was Elio de Angelis, Jack Brabham (Formula 1 World Champion 1959, 1960, 1966), Phil Hill (1961), Denis Hulme (1967), James Hunt (1976), Alan Jones (1980), Jacques Laffite, Niki Lauda (1975, 1977 *), Stirling Moss, Alain Prost *, Carlos Reutemann, Keke Rosberg (1982), Jody Scheckter (1979), Ayrton Senna *, John Surtees (1964) and John Watson. Senna won ahead of Lauda, Reutemann, Rosberg, Watson, Hulme and Jody Scheckter, being the only one to resist Lauda's overwhelming performance who - having missed the qualifying - had to start from the last row and overtook all the others except Senna [4] .[5][6] The * in the previous paragraph indicates that titles which were not yet won at the time of the race are not mentioned here - so there were nine former and two future Formula 1 World Champions competing, quite a good rate in a field of 20 cars with 16 Formula 1 drivers; the other four were rather local drivers: Klaus Ludwig, Manfred Schurti, Udo Schütz and Hans Herrmann.'

Don't know if thats any interest to anyone other than me, but I now have to pretend I am Ayrton Senna driving it!
 
Turismo.M.G!
"The Merc 190e EVO II is a b*tch, and I spanked it!" Gotta love the 'Queef

Right, I am away for a week now, off on a road trip taking in many of the best driving roads I can think of, a trip to Monaco and Sunday spent at the Nurburgring (in real life!). If I don't find myself at the bottom of the Stelvio Pass in a burning wreck or wrapped around a barrier at The Carousel I will be back for next weeks car. In the mean time, McClarenDesign is the man in the know.

By the way, bit of interesting history for (almost) this car at the 'ring - lifted from wikipedia;

'1984: The new Grand Prix track

To celebrate its opening, an exhibition race was held, on 12 May, featuring an array of notable drivers. Driving identical Mercedes 190E 2.3–16, the line-up was Elio de Angelis, Jack Brabham (Formula 1 World Champion 1959, 1960, 1966), Phil Hill (1961), Denis Hulme (1967), James Hunt (1976), Alan Jones (1980), Jacques Laffite, Niki Lauda (1975, 1977 *), Stirling Moss, Alain Prost *, Carlos Reutemann, Keke Rosberg (1982), Jody Scheckter (1979), Ayrton Senna *, John Surtees (1964) and John Watson. Senna won ahead of Lauda, Reutemann, Rosberg, Watson, Hulme and Jody Scheckter, being the only one to resist Lauda's overwhelming performance who - having missed the qualifying - had to start from the last row and overtook all the others except Senna [4] .[5][6] The * in the previous paragraph indicates that titles which were not yet won at the time of the race are not mentioned here - so there were nine former and two future Formula 1 World Champions competing, quite a good rate in a field of 20 cars with 16 Formula 1 drivers; the other four were rather local drivers: Klaus Ludwig, Manfred Schurti, Udo Schütz and Hans Herrmann.'

Don't know if thats any interest to anyone other than me, but I now have to pretend I am Ayrton Senna driving it!

Great find! Have fun.
 
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