May 20, 2026
The long-awaited debut of the racing version of the HWA EVO – the road car developed entirely by HWA – proved a resounding success right from the start at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Even before the race, the car had become a crowd favourite. In the presence of numerous key decision-makers from HWA’s strong partners, three HWA EVO.R cars took to the track in the world’s biggest and toughest race.
The #61 HWA EVO.R, driven by Adam Adelson (USA), Lance David Arnold (GER), Jamie Green (GBR) and Renger van der Zande (NED), finished second in the SP-X class. Third place went to the sister car, number 62, in which double starter Adam Adelson, Sebastian Asch, Luca Ludwig and Markus Winkelhock (all GER) shared the wheel. The strong team result was rounded off by the HWA EVO.R #63 with Christian Gebhardt (GER), Evald Holstad (NOR), Peter Ludwig (USA) and Bruno Spengler (CAN), which finished fourth in the SP-X class.
In the 54th ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, a race characterised by changeable weather conditions and numerous incidents, but without any interruptions, the HWA EVO.R impressively demonstrated its strengths. With excellent reliability and a forward-thinking driving style, the three distinctive cars worked their way through the field. After numerous flawless and trouble-free stints, the three HWA EVO.Rs were also well placed in the overall standings. Although unscheduled pit stops during the race cost them valuable positions, all cars continued the race. At the end of the race, the debutants from Affalterbach crossed the finish line in front of a record crowd of 352,000 enthusiastic spectators, ensuring a successful debut for the HWA EVO.R at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
Martin Marx: CEO of HWA AG: “I can’t quite put the race into words yet. I’m very proud of how everyone in the team contributed and how moved and emotional each and every one of them was at the end. Throughout the weekend, everyone put their heart and soul into this project. Of course, we would have liked to have got through it without any problems, but that’s more of a dream when it’s your first time. We’ll now analyse the race and hopefully come back even stronger. Our congratulations also go to Mercedes-AMG, who have finally managed to win this legendary race again.”
Gordian von Schöning, CTO of HWA AG: “It was very emotional, very exhausting, but we are over the moon. We fielded three cars and brought all three to the finish line. What an achievement. Everyone involved – the team, our partners, really everyone – contributed to this. It was an incomparable and unforgettable event for us.”
Customer racing version of the HWA EVO.R announced
HWA AG has announced a racing version of the HWA EVO, limited to 15 units. The exclusive HWA EVO.R is based on the racing car that competed in this weekend’s ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring.
The latest evolution of the HWA EVO platform draws on HWA’s decades of motorsport experience to offer customers a consistently high-performance, reliable and, at the same time, particularly thrilling driving experience on the racetrack. The new HWA EVO R has been specifically designed for ease of handling and operation, allowing drivers of all experience levels to benefit from its potential. This is underpinned by the balanced front-mid-engine architecture with a transaxle layout, which, together with a six-way adjustable racing suspension from KW and H&R and high-performance AP Racing brakes, ensures a high level of control and confidence. The EVO R is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine developed by HWA, delivering around 560 PS and 670 Nm of torque, controlled via a Bosch Motorsport ECU and combined with a sequential six-speed gearbox. In addition to the full carbon fibre bodywork of the road-going version, the track variant features a special motorsport aerodynamics package with widened wheel arches, a revised bonnet, NACA air intakes, polycarbonate windows, removable rear doors and specially developed lightweight RONAL racing wheels. Optimal ergonomics are ensured by an adjustable pedal assembly and a specially developed carbon racing seat, whilst a reinforced monocoque chassis, an FIA-approved roll cage and a safety fuel cell guarantee the highest safety standards. The specification is complemented by an integrated four-point air jack system, a racing exhaust system and optional features such as a hydration system, a passenger seat, air conditioning or a 24-hour lighting package. Furthermore, buyers of the HWA EVO.R benefit from a comprehensive customer support programme featuring experienced technicians, a spare parts service and exclusive events. Each vehicle is individually built to order and can be configured with various equipment packages such as the ‘Long-Distance Package’, a Starter Kit or an Electronic Kit.
The HWA EVO combines a successful history with the remarkable present and future of HWA AG. The reinterpretation of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II is a tribute to this design and performance icon of the early nineties. Based on the Mercedes-Benz W201 series, HWA AG has created a state-of-the-art car that combines the spirit of the past with the technology of today and tomorrow.
From motor racing to perfect engineering: HWA is a 360° service provider with comprehensive technological and motorsport expertise in a multi-project environment. Formed in 1998 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and based in Affalterbach (Germany), the independent company fields the most successful team in the DTM and is a sought-after partner when it comes to developing high-performance cars. As specialists in special motor racing technology, together with the relevant development, support and logistics services, HWA is also responsible for many automotive and sustainability projects. With the HWA EVO, the Affalterbach-based company recently presented its first complete project for a road-legal sports car.
