HWA EVO completes latest milestone in unprecedented OEM-grade development process

Affalterbach, Germany, 29/10/25 - World-leading motorsport and automotive engineering firm HWA AG (HWA) has completed the latest stage of an unprecedented OEM-grade development program for its HWA EVO super saloon – putting the vehicle through crash testing usually reserved for new production cars.

Representing a modern reinterpretation of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E
2.5-16 EVO II, the HWA EVO is enhanced with state-of-the-art technology to deliver contemporary performance, comfort and safety while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original.

The comprehensive development program undertaken by HWA sets the EVO apart from any comparable vehicle in the ultra-high-performance segment. Unlike many low-volume manufacturers, HWA has subjected the EVO to a full-scale validation regime more commonly associated with the OEM development of a totally new passenger vehicle.

This approach reflects the company’s decades of experience developing cars for the world's leading automotive companies, its unwavering commitment to engineering excellence, and the new standards continues to set for limited-production, high performance vehicles.

Martin Marx, CEO of HWA, said: "HWA has gone to unprecedented lengths to make the EVO worthy of the HWA name. Our reputation has been earned over decades competing at the highest levels of motorsport, and working on the most complex road car projects in the world. It’s only natural that we demand the very best of the first road car to wear the HWA badge.”

Central to this validation process was a series of homologation crash tests conducted in collaboration with technical service provider TÜV Süd. An additional HWA EVO prototype chassis was constructed specifically for this program, beginning with the steering column intrusion test in which the vehicle was driven into a rigid barrier at 50 km/h. The steering column showed minimal movement – precisely as simulated and calculated – while the EVO’s front crash elements absorbed impact energy exactly as expected.

The chassis then underwent forward and backward acceleration tests to validate seat anchorages, followed by seat belt pull tests, ISOFIX anchorage pull tests, and pressure application to the rear seat bench. All tests were successfully passed, confirming the structural integrity and advanced safety engineering integrated throughout the vehicle.

Having faced a total of more than 60 tests including those focussing on the brakes, components, and emissions, the successful completion of crash testing has seen the development team begin to refine the HWA EVO’s dynamic and performance characteristics. Aiming to deliver an involving, analogue high-performance driving experience like no other, multiple prototypes have undergone rigorous testing during the course of this year, across a wide range of conditions.

With the car currently testing at the Nürburgring, Winter testing in both northern Europe and southern Spain will comprise the next stage in the process. This will be followed by a programme of intensive dynamic testing and fine tuning with Bosch Engineering at the Boxberg test track.

Gordian von Schöning, CTO of HWA, explained: “Our commitment to engineering excellence means subjecting our vehicles to the same rigorous standards we apply to our work with the world's leading automotive manufacturers. We have spared no expense in designing and developing the HWA EVO with the same approach as would be applied to a completely new car, and these impressive crash test results are a testament to that.

“With this latest phase successfully completed, we now move on to further dynamic testing, in line with our objective of making the HWA EVO the ultimate driver's car. Once final validation has taken place, we will then quickly move to manufacturing."

Beyond the testing programme, it has been a busy summer for the prototype vehicles, with appearances at prestigious events including Tutto Bene Hill Climb in Italy and the Supercar Owners Circle (SOC) Weekend on the Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, where the HWA EVO's dynamic capabilities captured the attention of discerning enthusiasts and industry figures alike.

The HWA EVO is currently touring North America, offering audiences the opportunity to experience the vehicle firsthand. The comprehensive schedule encompasses the East and West coasts of the US and Las Vegas, as well as Canada. Stops on the tour have included a track day at the historic Lime Rock Park, private viewings in Westport, Connecticut and at Mercedes-Benz Danbury, as well as an appearance at the Concours of Highlands in Mt Kisco, New York.

The car has been displayed north of the border in Montreal at Quadriam Collections, before rounding off the Canadian leg of its journey at Pfaff in Toronto. The prototype will now head to the Concours at Wynn Hotel Las Vegas where it will be on show on 1 November, before going on display at the SEMA show in Las Vegas from 4-7 November (Central Hall, Both 24043).

The HWA EVO production run is strictly limited to 100 units, and there has been great interest in the car from around the globe since the project’s inception. Those interested in further information regarding the remaining allocation of build slots and chassis numbers should contact the company directly here.