HWA brings an iconic silhouette to life with modern motorsport technology, but the new extreme version will only be built in a limited number of units.
HWA continues to develop its modern interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II. In conjunction with the Nürburgring 24-hour race, the German motorsport specialist unveils a new track version of the model.
It is called HWA EVO R and will be built in only 15 units.
The car is not intended for regular road use, but is a pure track day car for customers who want something close to a race car without necessarily having to compete in a championship.
Based on the race car
The HWA EVO R shares its basic construction with the HWA EVO.R, the racing version competing in this year’s Nürburgring 24-hour race.
Three examples of the race car will be on the starting grid in the SP-X class during this weekend’s race. For HWA, the effort is not just about results, but also about development. The Nürburgring Nordschleife is used as a test bench for both the car and its components.
The experience gained from the racing program will then be transferred to the customer car.
560 horsepower and sequential gearbox
Under the body sits an HWA-developed 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. In the EVO R, it produces approximately 560 horsepower and 670 Newton-meters.
The engine is controlled by a Bosch Motorsport ECU, and power is sent through a six-speed sequential gearbox.
Just like the road version of the HWA EVO, the car is based on a front-mid engine solution with a transaxle layout. The idea is to give the car better weight distribution and more balanced handling characteristics on the track.
The chassis features six-way adjustable racing suspension developed in collaboration with KW and H&R. The brakes come from AP Racing.
Designed to be driven by more people
Despite the extreme technology, HWA emphasizes that the car is not just built for professional drivers.
The EVO R has been developed to be relatively easy to handle and use on the track. Among other things, it features a movable pedal box and a specially developed carbon fiber racing seat to allow different drivers to find the correct driving position.
The safety level is also derived from motorsport. The car has a reinforced monocoque, FIA-homologated roll cage, and safety fuel cell.
The body is made of carbon fiber and features widened fenders, a new hood with NACA ducts, polycarbonate windows, removable rear doors, and lightweight Ronal wheels.
Available with air conditioning
Although the HWA EVO R is a pure track car, several options are available to make it more usable during longer driving sessions.
Customers can choose options such as a drink system, passenger seat, air conditioning, and a special light package for 24-hour driving.
The car also features an integrated air jack system with four lifting points, a racing exhaust system, and the ability to specify various packages. These include an endurance package, a starter package, and an electronics package.
All cars are built to order.
Modern tribute to the 190E Evo II
The HWA EVO was first shown in 2023 and is a modern interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II from the 1990s.
The model is based on the silhouette of the classic W201 generation, but almost everything under the skin has been newly developed by HWA’s team in Affalterbach.
The road version of the HWA EVO will be built in 100 units. The new HWA EVO R will thus be significantly more exclusive with its 15 planned cars.
HWA is strongly associated with Mercedes’ racing history and has, among other things, managed the brand’s successful DTM program. It is therefore no coincidence that the new car is presented at the Nürburgring 24h.
For HWA, the Nordschleife becomes both a showcase and a development laboratory.
Fact Sheet: HWA EVO R
Engine: 3.0-liter V6 biturbo
Power: approx. 560 hp
Torque: 670 Nm
Gearbox: six-speed sequential
Chassis: front-mid engine and transaxle layout
Suspension: six-way adjustable racing suspension from KW/H&R
Brakes: AP Racing
Body: carbon fiber with motorsport package
Units: 15 examples
Use: track only
