Evolution. That word sparks joy for a whole sect of automotive enthusiasts, whether they be of the Japanese Lancer-loving type or in the 90s German realm. It was in that time that we had Evolution models delivered from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi to homolgate equipment to use in the DTM. While the M3 and 190E 2.3-16 took most of the laurels, a fair amount of DTM fans forget that it was the V8 quattro – replete with wood trim – that took the 1990 ( Hans-Joachim Stuck) and 1991 (Frank Biela) crowns before its flat-plane crankshaft was deemed illegal.
In 1991 Audi introduced an Evolution model, which sprouted adjustable front and rear spoilers. That was pretty much the only dynamic change, but these Evolution models were also equipped with 17″ Bolero wheels for good measure. A claimed 500 were produced, but good luck finding them – they are more elusive than essentially every other Audi model in the modern era. One turned up for sale in Berlin, though – and despite the DTM laurels and Evolution nameplate, they’re surprisingly affordable: