The HWA Evo R isn’t just a tribute car—it’s a full-blown, no-compromise track weapon rooted in Mercedes history, fused with bleeding-edge motorsport tech. Forget nostalgia for the iconic 190E Evo II—this is a reimagining that leaves even the wildest DTM dreams in the dust.
If you’re a motorsport enthusiast, you know the Evo II’s legacy: a winged, box-flared legend that defined Group A touring car racing. But HWA, the race engineering powerhouse spun out of AMG, has taken the concept further than anyone dared. The Evo R isn’t just a homage—it’s a Nürburgring-born, 552-hp, V6 twin-turbo monster with only 15 units ever to exist. And it’s not road legal. This is track elitism, distilled.
Why This Matters
- Limited to 15 units, the Evo R is an ultra-exclusive example of the “restomod” trend meeting pure racing purpose.
- It signals a new era of boutique performance: heritage icons reengineered from the ground up for modern track-day supremacy.
- HWA leverages its AMG and DTM DNA, showing how deep motorsport roots can create something radically new—far beyond collector nostalgia.
What Most People Miss
- The Evo R is not just a cosmetic upgrade. Its engine—based on the Mercedes M276 V6—was heavily reworked for endurance racing, pushing out 552 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque, a far cry from the Evo II’s 232 hp.
- Lightweighting is obsessive: polycarbonate windows, Ronal racing wheels, and a revised aero kit with gigantic ducts and a two-tier rear wing.
- It’s built around the needs of a real racing team: from FIA roll cage and air-jacks to an endurance lighting system, air conditioning, and even a pit-ready drinks system.
- Owners get more than a car—they become part of HWA’s elite “club,” with track support, parts service, and exclusive driving events.
Key Takeaways
- Exclusivity: Just 15 will exist. The Evo R is rarer than almost any modern hypercar.
- Purpose-Built: Not road legal, not for show—this is a track-only machine honed for the world’s toughest circuits.
- Motorsport Pedigree: HWA is no start-up. Their race expertise spans DTM, GT3, Formula E, and even engineering for Pagani and De Tomaso.
How Does It Compare?
- Porsche 935 (2019): Another modern track-only restomod, but with a very different flavor. The HWA Evo R is smaller, lighter, and arguably more focused on driver engagement than raw numbers.
- Aston Martin Vulcan: More powerful but less rooted in motorsport history. The Evo R’s connection to a DTM legend gives it a unique appeal for racing purists.
- Pagani Huayra R: HWA actually engineered the V12 for Pagani. The Evo R is HWA’s opportunity to showcase their full capabilities under their own brand.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- True motorsport credibility
- Unmatched exclusivity
- Modern tech meets 1990s icon
- Owner support and experiences
- Cons:
- Not road legal—purely for track use
- Price will likely be astronomical
- Only 15 people will ever own one
The Bottom Line
The HWA Evo R is a statement: motorsport heritage doesn’t have to live in the past. It can be reengineered, supercharged, and unleashed for a new breed of collectors and drivers who want the full race team experience. If you’re one of the lucky 15, you’re not just buying a car—you’re buying into the ultimate Mercedes track fantasy, executed by the people who made the legend real in the first place.