The 190E Evo II will race again
Endurance racing is a testing ground for the world's most cutting-edge performance vehicles. These unique creations are often adaptations of popular race cars, like the Camaro ZL1 NASCAR-Le Mans Garage 56 project in 2023. But with an increasing interest in reliving the glory days across the industry, with the Bentley Blower Jnr as one such example, the Nürburgring will be graced with a legend in a modern form at the 2026 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
The HWA Evo is a modern interpretation of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II. It's a highly engineered restomod that starts its journey with a donor car, specifically, a Mercedes-Benz W201 series model. The car is first stripped of all its electronic components, engine, and interior. The shell is then cleaned, fitted with a roll cage, and prepped for painting. Once painted, HWA installs its modified twin-turbocharged V6 into the engine bay, and it is meticulously brought to life with modern tooling and materials. The brand has mentioned that its Evo is filled with the latest safety and driver assistance systems, so its performance will likely be similar to that of a more modern and heavier E53 AMG.
Although its components are modern, its design remains identical to the original 190E Evo II. Only 100 of these cars will be produced, and the bill is a heavy one. When it was first revealed in November 2023, it would set you back just over R14m in today’s money, so, with a price tag that sizable, at least it’s road legal. But the latest news for this restomod is its involvement in the 2026 24h of Nürburgring. It will compete in the SP-X class, and two vehicles will take to the track.
HWA has recently completed its first demonstration laps ahead of the 2025 Nürburgring 24-hour race in the car’s prototype versions, and the team was more than pleased with the results. HWA has stated that it will modify and adapt these two units to compete in this upcoming 2026 event.
So, what made the 190E Evo II so beloved? It's a DTM race car from the early 1990s, and it was designed to take the fight to the E30 M3. Its debut in 1992 revealed its speed, winning 16 out of the 24 races that season. Its big rear wing and aggressive design made it an instant fan favourite and one that is still enjoyed today.
To bring back an iconic look with modern engineering is exciting, and to see this legend take on the Nürburgring once again is a sight we're eager to see. It's more of a tribute drive than necessarily a serious competitor, yet it's certain to spark passion in younger and older fans alike.
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