Oct 29, 2025
Affalterbach, October 29, 2025 – The globally renowned motorsport and automotive engineering company HWA AG (HWA) has completed the latest phase of an unprecedented OEM-level development program for the HWA EVO, subjecting the vehicle to crash tests typically reserved for entirely new series-production vehicles.
As a modern reinterpretation of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 EVO II, the HWA EVO has been engineered with state-of-the-art technology to deliver contemporary levels of performance, comfort and safety while remaining true to the spirit of the original.
HWA’s comprehensive development program sets the EVO apart from virtually every comparable vehicle in the ultra high-performance segment. Unlike many low-volume manufacturers, HWA has subjected the EVO to an extensive validation process more commonly associated with the OEM development of an all-new passenger vehicle.
This approach reflects the company’s decades of experience developing vehicles for some of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, its commitment to technical excellence and the new standards it continues to establish for limited-production high-performance vehicles.
Martin Marx, CEO of HWA AG, said:
“HWA has gone to unprecedented lengths to ensure the EVO is worthy of carrying the HWA name. We have built our reputation over decades competing at the highest levels of motorsport and contributing to some of the world’s most complex road car projects. Naturally, we expect nothing less than excellence from the first road vehicle to wear the HWA badge.”
At the core of this validation process was a series of homologation crash tests conducted in collaboration with technical service provider TÜV Süd. A dedicated HWA EVO prototype chassis was specifically constructed for this program, beginning with a steering wheel intrusion test in which the vehicle was crashed into a rigid barrier at 50 km/h. The steering wheel showed only minimal movement — exactly as simulated and calculated — while the HWA EVO’s front crash structures absorbed the impact energy precisely as expected.
The vehicle then underwent forward and rearward acceleration tests to validate seat mountings, followed by seatbelt anchorage pull tests, ISOFIX anchorage pull tests and load application tests on the rear bench seat. All tests were completed successfully, confirming the structural integrity and advanced safety engineering integrated throughout the vehicle.
Following more than 60 tests overall — including braking, component and emissions evaluations — the development team has now moved on to further refining the dynamic and performance characteristics of the HWA EVO after successfully completing the crash test phase. With the objective of delivering an unparalleled analog high-performance driving experience, several prototypes have undergone rigorous testing under a wide variety of conditions throughout the year.
After recent testing activities at the Nürburgring, the next phase will include winter testing in Northern Europe and Southern Spain. This will be followed by an intensive dynamic testing and fine-tuning program with Bosch Engineering at the Boxberg proving ground.
Gordian von Schöning, CTO of HWA AG, stated:
“Our commitment to technical excellence means we apply the same rigorous standards to our own vehicles that we use when working with the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. We spared no effort in engineering and developing the HWA EVO with the same methodology that would be applied to a completely new production vehicle, and these impressive crash test results are clear proof of that approach.
With this latest phase successfully completed, we are now moving into further dynamic testing as we continue pursuing our goal of making the HWA EVO the ultimate driver’s car. Once final validation is complete, production will begin shortly thereafter.”
Beyond the testing program, it has also been a busy summer for the prototype vehicles, which appeared at prestigious events such as the Tutto Bene Hill Climb in Italy and the Supercar Owners Circle (SOC) Weekend on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, where the HWA EVO’s dynamic capabilities attracted significant attention from enthusiasts and industry representatives alike.
The HWA EVO is currently touring North America, giving audiences the opportunity to experience the vehicle up close. The extensive schedule includes stops along both the East and West Coasts of the United States, Las Vegas and Canada. Highlights of the tour 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.
North of the border, the vehicle was showcased at Quadriam Collections in Montreal before the Canadian leg concluded at Pfaff in Toronto. The prototype will now continue to the Concours at the Wynn Hotel Las Vegas on November 1, before appearing at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from November 4–7 (Central Hall, Booth 24043).
Production of the HWA EVO is strictly limited to 100 units, and the vehicle has attracted significant international interest since the beginning of the project. Interested parties seeking further information regarding remaining production slots and chassis numbers are encouraged to contact the company directly.
