Only 100 will be made and the engineering that goes into one will surprise you.
You might not know, but HWA are an unsung hero in the automotive world. In fact, they are one of Germany’s most respected engineering and motorsport companies, with a history deeply intertwined with Mercedes-Benz and AMG.
Over the past quarter-century, they HWA has become one of the most successful race car constructors in modern motorsport. Think Mercedes’ DTM touring cars, Mercedes-AMG GT3, GT4 and GT2 customer race cars, while contributing to Formula 3, Formula 2 and Formula E programmes. Beyond racing, HWA has developed and manufactured several of Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated road cars, including the CLK GTR Strassenversion, the CLK DTM AMG and even the SL 65 AMG Black Series.
It’s not just German cars that HWA work on. They played a significant engineering role in the naturally aspirated V12 used in the Pagani Huayra R, also known as one of the best sounding cars in the world! No really, we’ve heard it go up the Goodwood hill and it’s genuinely insane. They’ve also worked on vehicle development projects for manufacturers including De Tomaso and Apollo.
Now, HWA have taken the next step in their journey and produced their first self-branded car – the HWA EVO!
Rather than simply restoring a classic Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II, HWA has created an entirely re-engineered interpretation of the iconic DTM homologation special.
Starting with an original W201 bodyshell, the company extensively reinforces the chassis before fitting bespoke suspension, modern electronics, carbon-fibre bodywork and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 producing up to 500 horsepower. Only 100 examples will be built and seeing the prototype in London was a special, special sight.
The build quality is elite, everything feels bulletproof. Oh and the proportions are superb.
It instantly evokes the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II, but every surface has been refined and modernised without losing the character of the original. Rather than feeling like a conventional restomod, the EVO comes across as a natural evolution of the icon.
After spending time with the car, it’s clear the HWA EVO is much more than a nostalgic tribute. It’s a statement of intent from a company with decades of racing expertise, and if the production car delivers on the promise of this prototype, it could become one of the most compelling modern interpretations of a motorsport legend!
Watch one of our short videos from our London encounter below…