Vespera Iride Evo 5 Restomod Mercedes 190 EVO II with 765 HP

What Is the Vespera Iride Evo 5 Restomod?

The Vespera Iride Evo 5 is a restomod of the Mercedes-Benz 190 Evo II, built by the Italian tuning house Vespera. It produces 765 hp from a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, combining the iconic 1990s silhouette with modern powertrain and chassis technology. For Malaysian collectors, this vehicle offers a rare opportunity to own a homologation legend upgraded for contemporary driving standards, though it is not officially distributed in Malaysia and would require private importation.

Key Facts

How Does the Vespera Iride Evo 5 Achieve 765 hp?

The Vespera Iride Evo 5 uses a heavily modified 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine derived from the Mercedes-Benz M104 family. Two Garrett G30-770 turbochargers, a custom intercooler, and a Motec ECU deliver 765 hp at 7,200 rpm. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, sending power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.

The Vespera Iride Evo 5 produces 765 hp from a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, making it one of the most powerful restomods of the Mercedes 190 Evo II.

What Design Changes Does the Restomod Feature?

The exterior retains the original 190 Evo II’s boxy silhouette but adds a full carbon-fibre body kit, including wider wheel arches, a front splitter, and a large rear wing. The car sits on 18-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. The interior is re-trimmed in leather and Alcantara, with modern digital instrumentation and air conditioning.

The Vespera Iride Evo 5 uses a carbon-fibre body that reduces weight to 1,250 kg while preserving the iconic 190 Evo II design.

How Does the Vespera Iride Evo 5 Perform in Malaysian Conditions?

Malaysian tropical heat and high humidity can affect engine cooling and tyre grip. The Vespera Iride Evo 5 addresses this with an enlarged radiator, an oil cooler, and a water-to-air intercooler. The carbon-ceramic brakes resist fade during repeated hard stops, and the suspension is tuned for both track and road use. However, the car’s low ground clearance (120 mm) may be problematic on uneven Malaysian roads and speed bumps.

For Malaysian use, the Vespera Iride Evo 5 requires RON 98 fuel and careful navigation of speed bumps due to its 120 mm ground clearance.

Who Is This Restomod For in Malaysia?

The Vespera Iride Evo 5 targets wealthy Malaysian car collectors who value rarity, heritage, and extreme performance. It is not suitable as a daily driver due to its high price, limited service network, and low ride height. Owners will likely store it in a climate-controlled garage and use it for track days or exclusive car meets. Import duties and road tax in Malaysia can add 30–60% to the base price, making the total cost exceed RM 3 million.

This restomod is best suited for Malaysian collectors with a budget above RM 2.5 million who have access to specialist workshops for maintenance.

Common Questions

Is the Vespera Iride Evo 5 legal for road use in Malaysia?

Yes, if individually imported and registered under the AP (Approved Permit) system. The car must pass PUSPAKOM inspection for roadworthiness, and modifications must comply with Malaysian vehicle regulations. The process can take 6–12 months.

What is the estimated price of the Vespera Iride Evo 5 in Malaysia?

Based on the European price of approximately EUR 600,000, the landed cost in Malaysia including import duties, excise tax, and GST is estimated between RM 2.5 million and RM 3.5 million, depending on the final specification and shipping costs.

How does the Vespera Iride Evo 5 compare to other restomods available in Malaysia?

Compared to restomods like the Singer Porsche 911 or the Alfaholics GTA-R, the Vespera offers higher power (765 hp vs. 400–500 hp) and a more aggressive track focus. However, it lacks the established service network that Singer has in Southeast Asia.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the source material published at https://careta.my/article/vespera-iride-evo-5-restomod-mercedes-benz-190-evo-ii-765-hp. All performance figures, design details, and pricing estimates are derived from that article. Currency conversions from EUR to RM use an approximate rate of RM 4.70 per EUR, current as of the date of writing. Malaysian import duty and tax estimates are based on standard rates for vehicles over 2,000 cc. This article was last updated on 14 October 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) guidelines and PUSPAKOM requirements.