HWA EVO – The Rebirth of a Motorsport Icon as a Unique Customer Vehicle

Affalterbach, November 16, 2023 – HWA AG has long been established as a manufacturer of successful race cars and captivating high-performance sports cars. Now, the Affalterbach-based company is further strengthening its position as an independent vehicle manufacturer with the announcement of the HWA EVO. The road-legal sports car is a dramatic reinterpretation of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II, equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Deliveries of the strictly limited production run of 100 HWA EVO vehicles are expected to begin towards the end of 2025.

HWA combines its historic motorsport DNA with the expertise of the present and the future. The result is the HWA EVO — a highly modern homage to one of the most iconic DTM race cars of all time, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II. Originally produced in just 500 units for homologation purposes, the Evo II became a design icon of the early 1990s and set new standards in both styling and performance. It was also the car in which Klaus Ludwig secured his first DTM title with Mercedes-Benz in 1992.

Following the initial vision of reinterpreting an absolute automotive icon and bringing it back to the road with modern technology, the first concept sketches were created. Designers and engineers worked closely together to turn this vision into reality. The HWA EVO adopts the unmistakable design language of the original while integrating forward-looking technologies throughout the vehicle.

The HWA EVO is based on the Mercedes-Benz W201 platform and is being fully developed and produced by HWA AG using state-of-the-art technology in terms of drivetrain, performance, chassis, braking system, aerodynamics and safety. Final technical specifications are currently being completed. Pricing for this extraordinary vehicle starts at EUR 714,000 (excluding VAT). The first customer deliveries are scheduled to begin towards the end of 2025.

More than any other vehicle, the HWA EVO embodies the present and future of HWA AG. Celebrating the company’s 25th anniversary — during which HWA has grown into a globally respected engineering and high-performance vehicle manufacturer — the HWA EVO represents a very special offering for its customers.

For the HWA EVO project, HWA is preparing a partnership with CURATED. The US-based company is regarded as a leading specialist in historic sports cars and restomod vehicles, with extensive market expertise and exceptional sales capabilities. Through this collaboration, HWA AG and CURATED aim to combine their strengths and create the ideal conditions for the HWA EVO to become a major success.

Hans Werner Aufrecht, Founder of HWA and Chairman of the Supervisory Board:
“The Evo II was a design icon of the early 1990s and set new standards in automotive styling. Our vision was to reinterpret this design for a new era. With CURATED, we want a partner by our side who deeply understands this market and truly believes in the HWA EVO. I believe this creates the perfect foundation for the project’s success.”

Martin Marx, CEO HWA AG:
“Given the long-standing heritage of our company, we see the HWA EVO as a lighthouse project into which we can channel all of our experience and expertise. This milestone is intended to demonstrate our capabilities at the highest level and prepare us for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Gordian von Schöning, CTO HWA AG:
“With the HWA EVO, we are consistently continuing our path as a vehicle manufacturer while connecting our rich history with the modern era. We embraced this challenge in terms of engineering and development wholeheartedly and will soon present a vehicle unlike anything else currently available on the market.”

John Temerian, Co-Founder of CURATED:
“With a shared appreciation for originality — and a genuine understanding of perseverance, technical perfection and mechanical excellence — HWA and CURATED are joining forces in pursuit of a new form of automotive perfection. This project combines cutting-edge technology, 1990s nostalgia and the pure thrill of driving.”

About the HWA EVO

The HWA EVO bridges the successful history of HWA AG with its present and future. As a reinterpretation of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II, it pays tribute to one of the defining automotive icons of the early 1990s. Based on the Mercedes-Benz W201 platform, HWA AG is creating a state-of-the-art vehicle that combines the spirit of the past with the technology of today and tomorrow.

About HWA

From motorsport to engineering excellence: HWA is a 360-degree engineering and motorsport partner with comprehensive expertise across a diverse multi-project landscape. Founded in 1998 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and headquartered in Affalterbach, Germany, the independent company built the most successful team in DTM history and has become a highly sought-after partner for the development of high-performance vehicles. As specialists in advanced motorsport technology and the associated engineering, support and logistics services, HWA is also responsible for numerous automotive and sustainability-focused projects.

About CURATED

Founded in 2015, CURATED is led by founders John Temerian and Jordi Ricart together with partners Alan Lazowski (Founder and CEO of Laz Parking) and Jim Goetz (former CEO of Sequoia Capital). CURATED specializes in European collector cars — particularly limited-production vehicles built between the 1970s and early 2000s. Rather than operating as a traditional dealership or restoration workshop, CURATED focuses on discovering, preserving and documenting legendary examples of automotive excellence.

Known for meticulous restorations of analog supercars, unparalleled technical expertise and the ability to source some of the rarest examples of automotive perfection, CURATED has earned an international reputation for connecting the world’s finest supercars with the world’s most discerning collectors.