The Mercedes 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II is a rare homologation special that was built in the early 1990s. It is highly sought after by collectors and can fetch over half a million dollars at auction. However, HWA, a German motorsports and engineering outfit, has announced its plans to build a modern homage to this iconic car, known as the HWA Evo. This new car will be based on donor 190E chassis and is expected to cost a whopping 714,000 euros (approximately $780,000).
HWA has set a target to build 100 units of the HWA Evo, with deliveries expected to start in late 2025. The company has also partnered with a U.S. company called Curated, which specializes in the sale and restoration of classic cars from the 1970s up to the early 2000s, to market the cars.
The original Mercedes 190 E Evo II and earlier Evo models were built to meet homologation rules for DTM racing. They featured Cosworth-developed 2.5-liter inline-4 engines, along with chassis and aerodynamic upgrades to make them resemble the actual race cars. Only 502 units of each version were made, making them extremely rare and desirable among collectors.
The teaser sketches of the HWA Evo show a design that closely resembles the 190 E Evo II. However, HWA has made it clear that they are not planning to build replicas. Instead, they will be using modern technology for the powertrain, chassis, brakes, aerodynamics, and safety features, while paying homage to the original design.
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As of now, no specific technical details have been revealed as the specifications are still being finalized. This marks HWA’s 25th anniversary, and the company is looking to leverage its expertise in motorsports and engineering to create a truly remarkable modern interpretation of the iconic 190 E Evo II.
It is also worth noting that HWA was founded by Hans Werner Aufrecht, one of the co-founders of AMG, who started the company to focus on motorsports after selling his stake in AMG to Mercedes in 1998. Mercedes eventually acquired all of AMG the following year. Throughout its history, HWA has been involved in a wide range of projects, including DTM, Formula 3, and Formula E racing, as well as the production of CLK GTR homologation specials and engine development for the Pagani Huayra R track car.
The demand for modern interpretations of iconic cars is on the rise, especially among collectors and enthusiasts who want to experience the nostalgia of classic models with the performance and technology of modern vehicles. The HWA Evo is expected to cater to this niche market and offer an exclusive and highly desirable automotive experience.
In addition to the HWA Evo, another motorsports and engineering company, Prodrive, has also revealed a similar project linked to the Subaru Impreza 22B STI. This trend of recreating and modernizing iconic cars is gaining momentum, and it will be interesting to see how these projects evolve and how they are received in the automotive market.
