FIRST DRIVE: HWA EVO – AMG’s Race Team Made A Restomod!
Driving Impressions
At Boxberg’s demanding Bosch test track, the HWA EVO prototype reveals a mix of rawness and potential. Although the cabin is unfinished, prototype development is ongoing, and the engine is currently limited to 5,000rpm for calibration. Even so, the twin-turbo V6 feels smooth, strong, and linear, sounding more polished and aggressive than any regular Mercedes powerplant. Soft brakes, experimental electronic systems, and ultra-light steering highlight the car's early-stage development—but beneath it all, there’s terrific balance and poise, with body control dialed in even while locked in comfort mode.
Development and Engineering
HWA’s approach is no bolt-on kit. The car rides on a freshly engineered, full-carbon body with massively upgraded crash structures and a stretched wheelbase for better weight distribution—the V6 now sits behind the front axle’s center line for optimal handling. Every prototype is jammed with sensors, data loggers, and custom wiring for continuous development. The final car is intended to weigh about the same as the Evo II (~1,350kg), but with vastly greater power and technical sophistication.
Exterior & Interior
Despite stunning looks, the test mule’s interior is rough: big harnesses, unfinished panels, exposed cabling, and development hardware everywhere. Eventually, rear seats and a concealed roll cage will be installed. The all-carbon design includes huge single-piece fenders and panels for strength, light weight, and motorsport cred.
Comparison to the Original
The original 190E Evo II was built for DTM glory: 2.5L naturally aspirated four, 230hp, 0-60 in ~7 seconds, and only 500 units ever made. Today, originals fetch ~£350,000 but don’t deliver modern performance. HWA’s recreation starts with a standard 190E shell—cheap and plentiful—then rebuilds it from the ground up, leaving little untouched.
Interview & Racing Ambitions
HWA’s CTO confirms that “mission creep” has taken hold; they initially planned modest power but have revised almost every component for higher margins and more performance. The final target is well above their original 450hp goal, and efforts are underway to take the EVO into competitive racing alongside the limited road car production.
Conclusion
Still in early development, the HWA EVO already promises to merge vintage DTM magic with a modern technical edge, representing a flagship restomod for collectors and enthusiasts alike. First customer cars are expected next year—a new icon in the making, purpose-built by masters of the Mercedes racing world.
