Video: HWA EVO - Frankenstein in a Suit

HWA EVO is a radical fresh take on the Mercedes-Benz 190 E  

HWA AG may not have the profile of its famous counterpart Mercedes-AMG but it’s a prominent name in the world of European motorsport and is now dipping its toe into the booming field of RestoMods. 

The eponymous venture and brainchild of AMG founder Hans Werner Aufrecht has established itself as the power behind some of Europe’s leading racing teams and is best known for its achievements in the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) and other motorsport series.  

The German company recently made headlines with the launch of the HWA EVO, a limited-edition super sports sedan that pays homage to the iconic Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 EVO II. 

Some of the Retro Rides crew were fortunate to see this stunning machine in the metal at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and can confirm that it’s a seriously hot-looking piece of kit.

Just 100 examples of the street-legal weapon will be built with a price tag north of $1,8m AUD - Image HWA

Described on HWA’s website as “the reinterpretation of a classic from the ‘90s, with the aim of creating a synthesis of past and modern high-quality technology,” the car starts life as a humble Mercedes-Benz 190 E before being stripped, cleaned and reengineered into an entirely different beast that showcases the company’s technological and motorsport skills. 

Just 100 examples of the street-legal weapon will be built, all boasting a high-performance twin turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 based on the Mercedes M276. Engine specifics are a closely guarded secret but HWA says it focused on delivering a powerplant that combines blistering performance with suitable refinement. 

The HWA EVO pays homage to the iconic Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 EVO II - Image Retro Rides

HWA chief technical officer Gordian Von Schöning said customer feedback led the development team to focus on a V6, instead of the more logical feisty four-pot. 

“In the beginning we were really pushing for a four-cylinder engine because we thought this was something AMG wanted, and we can probably push it to 500 horsepower. But customers said a four-cylinder engine was not special,” he said. 

A V8 was also considered but as the 190E is a relatively small car it would have been difficult to package, says Von Schöning.

Opting for a dry-sump V6 meant the engine, which drives the rear wheels via a rear-mounted six-speed manual transaxle, could be positioned behind the front axle centre line. 

The 1990 Mercedes Benz 190 E 2.5 Evolution 2 is a highly desirable collectable - Image Retro Rides

This, along with relocating the starter motor, alternator, power steering pump, and air-con compressor to the rear of the engine helps ensure ideal 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. 

The massaged V6 pumps out a mighty 330kW and 550Nm, which is enough to propel the 1350kg four-door to an electronically limited 270km/h, accompanied by the riveting note of a full stainless steel exhaust system. 

Significant modifications have been made to the suspension which feature race-derived double-wishbones front and rear, with ball joints at the rear. Electrically adjustable dampers provide a lift of 30mm to ensure the low-slung saloon can creep over gutters and other obstacles. 

The HWA EVO is a revolutionary take on the famous 190 - Image HWA

The brakes have come in for attention too, with big 380mm discs up front clamped by six-pot calipers, while at the rear 360mm discs are gripped by four-piston calipers. A ceramic brake option is available, with the braking hardware sitting behind gorgeous forged 19- or 20-inch wheels, clad with 245/35 ZR19 or 265/35 ZR20 high performance rubber. 

The aggressive exterior styling featuring a low, wide stance, carbon body panels, and towering rear wing is the work of Aussie designer Edgar Chu, who has crafted cars for AMG, Nissan and now runs Rev Auto Design in Hamburg. Other styling upgrades include modern strip-style LED headlights and taillights, and distinctive daytime running lights.

The limited-edition nature of this distinctive German super saloon only adds to its allure - Image HWA

Inside, an integrated roll cage speaks to the super saloon’s track-day ambitions, while elsewhere the cabin has been refreshed with luxury trimmings including a distinctive 2+2 seating layout, Recaro seats, modern climate control, and a digital instrument cluster. 

HWA says the first vehicle deliveries are due in 2025 priced from Euro €714,000 (AU$1.81M). With only 100 units being produced, and each vehicle highly customizable to the owner’s personal tastes, the limited-edition nature of this distinctive German super saloon only adds to its allure, with the HWA EVO is bound to become a prized possession for a few lucky collectors.