If you’re a car enthusiast, chances are the angular shape and massive rear wing of the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II evoke shivers of nostalgia. This car was an icon of the 90s and a DTM (German Touring Car Championship) legend. Now, a German company called HWA is bringing it back to life in an extreme and modern version, redefining the concept of “restomod.”

Who is HWA? The Quiet Power Behind the Scenes

The name HWA might not ring as familiar as AMG, but the connection between the two is direct and historical. The company was founded in 1998 by Hans Werner Aufrecht, who is literally the “A” in AMG. Aufrecht established HWA after Mercedes acquired control of AMG, with the goal of continuing to manage the brand’s racing activities.

HWA, located in Affalterbach, Germany, is considered the most successful DTM team in history, with 11 team championships and 8 driver titles. Over the years, the company has served as the engineering and performance arm for particularly exotic projects. It was responsible for developing and producing supercars like the legendary Mercedes CLK GTR, the CLK DTM AMG, and the SL65 AMG Black Series. Additionally, HWA developed engines and components for hypercar manufacturers like Pagani (for the Huayra R), De Tomaso, and Apollo.

Now, for the first time in its history, HWA is launching a road car bearing its own name: the HWA EVO.

Reinventing an Icon: The HWA EVO

The HWA EVO is a modern interpretation of the mythological 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II. But make no mistake - this isn’t just a restoration. This is comprehensive re-engineering aimed at transforming the classic into a modern supercar in every respect.

The Manufacturing Process and Chassis

Unlike regular restomods, HWA doesn’t use original, rare Evo II examples. Instead, they take a standard Mercedes 190E (W201) chassis, completely disassemble it, and keep only the central part of the chassis. The company cuts off the chassis ends and installs new front and rear subframes made of aluminum and high-strength steel, dramatically improving safety and structural rigidity. The entire body is made of carbon fiber, allowing the car to maintain a low weight of about 1,350 kg.

Engine and Performance

While the original was equipped with a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, the HWA EVO is equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 (based on Mercedes’ M276 engine).

• Power: About 450 hp in the regular version, and up to 500 hp with the “Affalterbach” package.
• Drive: Rear-wheel drive, through a 6-speed manual transmission.
• Balance: To achieve perfect 50:50 weight distribution, the engine was moved back behind the front axle (Front-Mid Engine configuration), and the gearbox was mounted on the rear axle (Transaxle).
• Oil system: Dry sump allowing the engine to sit lower and reducing the center of gravity.

Design and Interior

The exterior design is faithful to the aggressive original, with widened wheel arches and a massive rear wing providing real downforce. The interior is a blend of retro and modern (“retro-modern”): the digital dashboard mimics the analog gauges of the 90s, but the car also includes Bluetooth connectivity and modern controls. Driver and passenger enjoy Recaro seats, and the car is equipped with a partially hidden integrated roll cage.

Price and Exclusivity

This pleasure doesn’t come cheap. HWA plans to produce only 100 units of the EVO. The starting price is about €714,000 (before taxes), which is about $780,000. The first chassis produced (Chassis 000) was sold at auction for a stunning €1.31 million.

This project is HWA’s statement of intent: to take the glorious legacy of DTM and translate it into the ultimate road car, combining the soul of the 90s with 21st-century technology and performance.