The HWA EVO.R is preparing for one of motorsport’s toughest endurance challenges as three race-prepared examples head to the 2026 ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring. Developed from the road-going HWA EVO super saloon, the competition variant combines modern engineering with unmistakable touring car heritage inspired by the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II.
HWA AG will field the trio of EVO.R machines in the experimental SP-X category, using the Nürburgring Nordschleife as both a competitive arena and an intensive durability test. The event additionally marks a major public showcase for the company’s growing role as both a niche manufacturer and advanced engineering specialist.
A Touring Car Legend Reimagined for Modern Racing
The HWA EVO.R preserves the instantly recognizable silhouette of the original 190E Evo II while introducing far more aggressive track-focused aerodynamics. Adjustable aero components, widened bodywork, and exposed carbon-fiber surfaces transform the road car into a more purposeful endurance machine built specifically for the Nürburgring’s demanding high-speed sections.
Each race car also carries a distinct livery celebrating motorsport culture and heritage partnerships. The #61 machine features a WEMPE Art Car design created by industrial artist Hanna Schönwald, while #62 references classic Kärcher and Sonax DTM liveries. Meanwhile, car #63 adopts a dark green PARKSIDE finish emphasizing understated aggression.
Safety and Focus Replace Road-Car Luxury
Inside, the HWA EVO.R abandons most comfort-focused road-car elements in favor of a pure competition environment. Engineers integrated an FIA-standard safety cage, FIA-homologated racing seat, six-point harness system, and onboard fire suppression equipment to meet endurance racing regulations.
The stripped-down cockpit additionally prioritizes visibility, accessibility, and driver concentration during long stints around the Nordschleife. Every detail inside the cabin serves durability and safety rather than luxury, reflecting the vehicle’s transformation from limited-production super saloon into full endurance race car.
Twin-Turbo Power Meets Nürburgring Endurance Engineering
The HWA EVO.R uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing approximately 552 hp / 560 PS and 494 lb-ft / 670 Nm of torque. Unlike the manual-equipped road version, the race car adopts a six-speed sequential gearbox combined with a Bosch Motorsport ECU for faster shifts and improved endurance reliability.
Engineers additionally reinforced the lightweight chassis and fitted adjustable KW racing suspension paired with H&R springs to handle the Nürburgring’s violent elevation changes and technical corners. AP Racing brakes, aluminum calipers, and 18-inch RONAL wheels wrapped in Hankook Ventus F200 tires further sharpen the EVO.R’s circuit-focused behavior.
Although outright performance remains important, HWA emphasizes technical reliability and consistency across the entire 24-hour race distance. The Nürburgring’s extreme conditions provide one of the most demanding real-world testing environments available for both mechanical systems and race engineering operations.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 |
| Power Output | 552 hp / 560 PS |
| Torque | 494 lb-ft / 670 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential racing gearbox |
| Drive Configuration | Rear-wheel drive |
| Suspension | KW racing suspension with H&R springs |
| Brakes | AP Racing system with aluminum calipers |
| Wheels and Tires | 18-inch RONAL wheels with Hankook Ventus F200 tires |
| Class | SP-X experimental category |
| Production Basis | HWA EVO limited to 100 road cars |
Blending Motorsport Heritage With Modern Engineering
The HWA EVO project enters a niche performance segment occupied by ultra-exclusive retro-inspired performance cars such as the Kimera EVO37 and various Singer creations. However, HWA differentiates itself by directly leveraging decades of professional motorsport engineering and touring car heritage.
Unlike many tribute projects focused mainly on nostalgia, the EVO.R demonstrates genuine racing intent through endurance competition. That credibility strengthens the road-going HWA EVO’s identity while reinforcing HWA AG’s reputation as a serious engineering operation rather than a styling-focused restomod company.
Exclusivity Backed by Motorsport Provenance
The road-going HWA EVO already stands among the rarest modern performance sedans with production limited to only 100 units. Participation in the Nürburgring 24 Hours further enhances the project’s long-term desirability by directly connecting the platform to real-world endurance racing development.
Collectors increasingly value limited-production vehicles with authentic motorsport involvement rather than purely cosmetic historical references. Consequently, the EVO.R racing program may significantly elevate the long-term prestige surrounding the road car and the broader HWA brand itself.
A Modern Touring Car Spirit Returns to the Nordschleife
The HWA EVO.R successfully channels the atmosphere of 1990s DTM racing while embracing modern endurance engineering and advanced chassis development. With three cars, experienced driver lineups, and dramatic retro-inspired liveries, HWA’s Nürburgring effort represents far more than a nostalgic exercise. Instead, it showcases how heritage and contemporary motorsport technology can still create something genuinely exciting.
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Source: HWA EVO
