Reviving a Legend: The Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 Evo II Reimagined as HWA EVO

by AutoExpert   |  17 November, 2023

Share :

Imagine taking a timeless classic and infusing it with the technology of tomorrow. That's exactly what's happening with the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II. HWA, founded by Hans Werner Aufrecht of AMG fame, is taking on this ambitious project, crafting a restomod that promises to redefine automotive excellence.

The Original: A DTM Legend

The 190E Evo II, with only 502 models ever produced, is more than just a car; it's a piece of automotive history. Known for dominating the DTM racing scene in the early '90s, this Bruno Sacco-designed sports sedan is a symbol of high performance and classic Mercedes style.

Mercedes 190E

The HWA EVO: A Fusion of Past and Future

This restomod, dubbed the HWA EVO, is based on the W201 190E but elevated to new heights. HWA promises significant improvements in chassis, brakes, aerodynamics, performance, and safety.

Mercedes 190E

While specific details are under wraps, the excitement is tangible. Imagine the power of a 4.0-liter twin-turbo AMG V8 or the roar of a 6.2-liter M156 V8 under its hood!

Mercedes 190E

A Visual Masterpiece

Visually, the HWA EVO is a stunner. It boasts bulbous wheel arches, side skirts, and bumpers that seamlessly integrate, giving it a modern yet menacing look.

Mercedes 190E

The reimagined front and rear bumpers, modern taillights, and stylish wheels complete its transformation.

Mercedes 190E

Homage to Heritage

The HWA EVO pays homage to the iconic black and silver Sonax-liveried race cars. Collaborating with designer Khyzyl Saleem, known for his breathtaking automotive art, the project incorporates design elements reminiscent of the original while pushing boundaries.

Mercedes 190E

Limited Edition, Infinite Coolness

With only 100 units planned, the HWA EVO will be rarer than the original Evo II. Priced at a cool €714,000 (about $774,000), it's not just a car; it's a collector's dream. This project also marks the 25th anniversary of HWA and showcases the company's expertise in both racing and luxury car restoration.

Mercedes 190E

The Visionary Behind HWA

HWA, steered by Aufrecht, is more than a racing team. It's a testament to automotive passion and innovation. Partnering with CURATED, specialists in classic European cars, HWA aims to deliver a restomod that's not just a car but a piece of automotive art.

Mercedes 190E

A New Chapter in Automotive History

The HWA EVO is not just a restomod; it's a tribute to a legendary past and a bold step into the future of automotive design and performance. It's a celebration of heritage, technology, and visionary craftsmanship.

Mercedes 190E

Recomended:

Everyone Says Pop-Up Headlights Were Banned, but That Is Not What Actually Happened - Photo
Others
Everyone Says Pop-Up Headlights Were Banned, but That Is Not What Actually Happened

Few automotive features can make a parked car look as alive as pop-up headlights. Turn the switch and two neat sections of bodywork rise from the hood, pause with theatrical precision and reveal the l

AutoExpert
This Talking Datsun Hid a Tiny Six-Track Record Player Beneath the Dashboard - Photo
Others
This Talking Datsun Hid a Tiny Six-Track Record Player Beneath the Dashboard

A new car speaking to its driver no longer feels remarkable. Navigation systems issue directions, safety assistants complain about lane markings and voice controls wait patiently for somebody to remem

AutoExpert
Honda Built Navigation Before GPS Using Helium, Transparent Maps and a Glowing Green Dot - Photo
Others
Honda Built Navigation Before GPS Using Helium, Transparent Maps and a Glowing Green Dot

There was a time when getting lost required some commitment. A driver would unfold a road map across the steering wheel, locate two towns that appeared to be printed directly on top of one another, th

AutoExpert
Your Front Brakes Do Most of the Work, So Why Did the Rear Pads Wear Out First? - Photo
Others
Your Front Brakes Do Most of the Work, So Why Did the Rear Pads Wear Out First?

The usual explanation sounds perfectly logical. When a car slows down, its weight moves toward the front. The front tires carry more load, so the front brakes provide more of the stopping force. That

AutoExpert
Rubber Is Naturally Pale, So Why Did the Automotive World Make Every Tire Black? - Photo
Others
Rubber Is Naturally Pale, So Why Did the Automotive World Make Every Tire Black?

A bright red car, a metallic blue car and a taxi painted the color of a highlighter will normally leave the factory with exactly the same footwear. Black tires. The color seems so inevitable

AutoExpert
A Fatal Hand-Crank Accident Helped Change the Way Every Car Starts - Photo
Others
A Fatal Hand-Crank Accident Helped Change the Way Every Car Starts

Starting a modern car requires so little effort that the action barely registers. Turn a key, press a button or let the vehicle recognize that its driver has climbed aboard. A second later, the engine

AutoExpert
You Installed the Correct Battery, but Your Car May Still Think the Old One Is There - Photo
Others
You Installed the Correct Battery, but Your Car May Still Think the Old One Is There

Changing a car battery used to be one of the cleaner bargains in home mechanics.Remove two terminals, undo the clamp, lift out the old battery and fit the new one. The clock might need resetting a

AutoExpert
Highway Rumble Strips Are Designed to Sound Awful, but Making Them Quieter Could Save Lives Too - Photo
Others
Highway Rumble Strips Are Designed to Sound Awful, but Making Them Quieter Could Save Lives Too

One tire wanders across the painted line and the previously quiet cabin erupts with a harsh mechanical growl. The steering wheel trembles, the seat vibrates and, for half a second, it feels as if some

AutoExpert
People Once Wanted Car Radios Banned Because Listening While Driving Seemed Far Too Dangerous - Photo
Others
People Once Wanted Car Radios Banned Because Listening While Driving Seemed Far Too Dangerous

A dashboard without a radio now looks unfinished. Even the most basic car is expected to provide music, news and something to fill the silence when traffic has stopped moving but the clock has not.

AutoExpert
The Seatbelt That Chased You Across the Door Was America’s Cheaper Alternative to an Airbag - Photo
Others
The Seatbelt That Chased You Across the Door Was America’s Cheaper Alternative to an Airbag

Open the door of certain 1980s or early 1990s cars and a small buckle begins travelling along the roofline. Sit down, close the door and the shoulder belt glides toward the B-pillar, hopefully passi

AutoExpert