The HWA EVO, which is a restomod homage to the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II, has completed the latest round in its global testing programme. Over the course of 16 days on the 12.9-mile (20.83 km) Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, experienced racers Sebastian Asch, Luca Ludwig, Markus Winkelhock and Reinhold Renger tested three prototypes of the HWA EVO to the limit.
This stage of testing follows the recent completion of physical crash testing, and a continuing OEM-level homologation programme for the car. The HWA EVO is built upon Mercedes-Benz 190E donor vehicles, with various body and chassis components switched to carbon fibre versions, a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine (M276) installed, and a few driver and safety aids added.
The HWA team (HWA is named after founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht – the A of AMG) also moves the front axle forward by 50 mm, and integrates a new aluminium front end and a double-wishbone suspension system with adjustable KW dampers. The goal is 50/50 weight distribution and high rigidity for the 1,350-1,360 kg car.
Of particular focus during the Nürburgring testing was the management of thermal loads over long driving stints at high speed, as well as the optimisation of the chassis, drive and braking systems under the stresses of the Nordschleife’s blend of varied corners, surfaces and topography.
“The Nürburgring Nordschleife is known worldwide as the benchmark for automotive development for good reason. Having been successfully involved in top-level motorsport there for over 25 years, we know just how much it takes for a car to perform well,” said Gordian von Schöning, CTO of HWA.
“In addition to our hot and cold testing in Northern Europe and Southern Spain, as well as the ongoing homologation process, this phase of Nürburgring development allowed us to ensure we are creating a car worthy of bearing the HWA name.”
The unpredictable weather at the Nürburgring also allowed the team to validate key components under real-world conditions, including precise damper tuning and detailed setup calibration. Following a total of 6,523 miles (10,498 km) completed over 504 laps, HWA’s engineers evaluated the car to assess the car’s safety and dynamics standards.
“With production of the HWA EVO soon set to commence, it is a particularly exciting time for the entire team,” added Martin Marx, CEO of HWA. “The depth and breadth of our testing programme reflects the unparalleled ability and experience that our team has been able to put into this project. We cannot wait for customers, partners and journalists to experience the results of that expertise in the finished car.”
With the comprehensive validation and final optimisation of the HWA EVO close to competition, the company will soon turn its attention to the start of series production, with the HWA EVO’s strictly limited 100-car run set to commence early in 2026.
