HWA wants to revive the Mercedes-190E 2.5-16 Evo II in 2025. The reincarnation of the famous model will have the look of the DTM car and modern technology.
Photo: Mercedes, HWA
The company HWA, founded in 1998 by AMG co-founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht, has announced it will build its first street car in 2025: a remake of the Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 Evo II. The Mercedes 190 E 2.5-16 Evo I and II were built in 502 examples each, in 1989 and, 1990 respectively, according to homologation rules for the DTM championship. Both models were powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Cosworth engine developing 195 HP (192 PS) in the Evo I and 235 HP (232 PS) in the Evo II. The Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 Evo II cost DM 115,279.70 when was launched. Today, this model sells at auction for over 500,000 euros ($547,465), but HWA wants to build an even more expensive model.
HWA plans to build 100 units, present the first model in the second quarter of 2024, and plans deliveries to start towards the end of 2025. The sale of the 100 cars will be handled by the US company Curated, which specializes in historic cars and remakes of famous models.
Hans Werner Aufrecht, founder of HWA, said: “The EVO II was a design icon of the early 1990s and set benchmarks in terms of style”. That’s why the design of the HWA EVO will be based on that of the 190E (W201). So far, very few technical details are available. HWA mentioned that the HWA EVO will feature state-of-the-art technology in terms of engine, performance, drivetrain, brakes, aerodynamics, and safety.
But the German auto motor und sport magazine reveals more technical details exclusively. They say the transmission has been moved to the rear to achieve an ideal 50-50% weight distribution. The suspension will be double wishbone overlays, and the car will run on standard 18-inch wheels (optional 19-inch), while the 190 E 2.5-16 Evo II has 17-inch wheels. The car will also be larger than the original model: 4.58 meters (15.03 ft) long compared to 4.43 meters (14.53 ft), 1.90 meters (6.23 ft) wide compared to 1.72 meters (5.64 ft), and 2.75 meters (9.02 ft) wheelbase compared to 2.67 meters (8.76 ft).
The project theme specifies a center of gravity at 40 cm (15.75 in) above the ground and a curb weight of 1,350 kg (2,976 pounds), thanks to carbon fiber use. However, despite the carbon fiber use, the curb weight will be only 10 kg less than the original model due to increased dimensions and a larger engine under the bonnet.
Auto Motor und Sport reports that under the bonnet will not be the Evo 2’s 4-cylinder engine but a 3-liter twin-turbo V6 that will develop 562 PS (554 PS) and 550 Nm (405.7 lb-ft), which will rev up to 6,800 rpm. The engine will be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and will feature dry sump lubrication, with the oil sump placed in a separate tank rather than under the engine to allow the engine to be mounted in a lower position. At the same time, dry sump lubrication works much better in high-speed cornering.
The car will have ABS and ESP and can be used on open roads. The price is 714,000 euros ($781,523) plus VAT, which at 20% VAT works out to around 856,800 euros ($937,828). A 30% deposit is required for reservation.
