Another month another resto-rod? Indeed, but this time it comes from arguably one of the most respected German racing teams. Time to pay attention to HWA AG’s latest creation!
Words: Wilhelm Lutjeharms
During the past decade we have witnessed the meteoric rise in popularity of the so-called "resto-mod". From interpretations of the Porsche 911, the Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari models, to the iconic Lancia Rally 037 and even the vintage Bugatti Type 35, enthusiasts are clearly yearning for experiences (and/or design) that modern cars can’t replicate or offer. Now there is another new kid on the block.
Background
You might have never heard of HWA AG, but the firm has a very strong reputation. HWA AG and Mercedes-AMG work together to run the customer racing program with cars such as the Mercedes-AMG GT3, GT4 and GT2 Pro. More importantly, these cars are built by HWA AG. HWA AG is also involved in the De Tomaso P72 and Pagani Huayra R projects. It is a company that is involved in high-level automotive development and is therefore perfectly positioned to develop a high-quality resto-mod. Oh, and if you were wondering what HWA stood for, it is short for Hans Werner Aufrecht, one of the founders of AMG and founder of HWA AG.
Mercedes-Benz relationship
HWA AG has a very close working relationship with Mercedes-Benz. Although the company was only founded in 1998, by 2000 and 2001 it already achieved success in the DTM with Bernd Schneider. In 2002 they were involved with the special Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Roadster and in 2004 with the CLK DTM AMG. In 2007 they were listed on the stock exchange. Throughout the years HWA has been involved and have stayed involved in racing with Mercedes-Benz with great success.
It didn't come as a big surprise when, in 2023, the company released limited details of its HWA EVO project. According to the company this resto-mod is a “reinterpretation of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II”.
The details
Only 100 of the HWA EVOs will be built (500 units of the original Evo II were manufactured) and HWA AG has stated that first deliveries to clients will begin by the end of 2025.
Although a W201 Mercedes-Benz donor car is used as the basis of the project, the car is completely stripped to the core before the rebuilding process starts. The rebuild involves comprehensive changes to not only the powertrain but also the chassis, brakes, aerodynamics and safety systems.
The HWA EVO is described as being track ready and road legal. The middle section of the donor car’s steel chassis is extensively reinforced. New front and rear aluminium chassis assemblies have been designed by HWA AG’s own engineers while the chassis is completely electro coated for anti-corrosion protection. The chassis is also extensively stiffened. A full carbon body is fitted which helps to reduce weight.
It terms of design, the EVO remains beautifully faithful to the chunky appearance of the original. “We have remained unerringly true to Bruno Sacco’s original iconic design language, with which he transformed Mercedes-Benz. For example, take the square-lined upper section of the car, which retains the original specification glass,” said HWA head of commercial, Alex Langhein.
The specification makes for thrilling reading. The car is claimed to weigh only 1 360 kg, has a 50:50 weight distribution and a centre of gravity of less than 40 cm.
The engine is a “contemporary Mercedes-Benz” 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6 petrol engine developing 331 kW and 550 N.m. It features dry-sump lubrication, a stainless-steel exhaust system and electrically adjustable dampers. The forged wheels are 19-inch in size at the front and 20-inch at the rear. The car also features a front axle lift system, an important addition if you consider how low and extended the front spoiler is.
Top speed will be electronically limited to 270 km/h… however, upgrade to the “Affalterbach” performance pack, and the engine’s power delivery increases to a substantial 368 kW. With the revised gearing included in this option the new top speed will then be 300 km/h. Maybe it will be more fun to select the increase in performance but to keep the gearing the same!
HWA AG’s CTO, Gordian von Schöning, had the following to say about the EVO: “With 280 colleagues and the ability to do everything in-house, from simulation, design, chassis and engine build, to electronics, carbon fibre, paint and cabin trim to the highest possible standards, there is no doubting HWA’s technical ability to create a reinterpretation of the Mercedes-Benz EVO II, fully enhanced for the modern era”.
Customers will also be able to personalise the interior and exterior of the car. A road-legal fire extinguisher will also be available as an option as well as an HWA AG EVO luggage set.
Cabin technology includes smartphone integration and digital instrumentation, but HWA AG confirmed that the system allow the driver to “adjust the display to select a digital representation of the analogue dials fitted to the Mercedes-Benz EVO II”.
Pricing
Starting at Euro 714 000 (ex VAT) (>R14.5m), this is no inexpensive toy, but the price is not out of line with other resto-mods. The price includes a one-year/20 000 km warranty.
To highlight the significance of this car, HWA AG and RM Sotheby’s have teamed up as chassis number 000 will be auctioned by this auction house on 27 July.
Top Gear released a great behind-the-scenes video of HWA AG recently and also follow HWA AG on Instagram for up-to-date content of this special creation.