HWA EVO 190E to Race at 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours: In a stunning announcement that brings nostalgia and performance roaring back onto the track, HWA AG has confirmed that its spectacular HWA EVO – a modern reimagining of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II – will officially compete in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours. This move is more than just a motorsport comeback; it’s a beautiful tribute to racing legend Ayrton Senna, who wowed the world in a 190E back in 1984 at the Nürburgring.
The return of a restomod 190E to the Green Hell isn’t just symbolic. HWA is set to enter two track-prepared EVOs into the 2026 edition of one of the most grueling endurance races on the planet. They’ll race under the SP-X class—a special category for innovative, non-standard vehicles—where they’ll be equipped with custom performance, weight reduction, and racing safety modifications. The street-legal HWA EVO is already a marvel, but this track version will take things to the next level.
Martin Marx, CEO of HWA, summed up the announcement perfectly: “Motorsport is in our DNA, and consequently in that of the HWA EVO.” This isn’t just marketing—HWA has deep roots in motorsport. Founded by AMG co-founder Hans Werner Aufrecht, HWA has always been about pushing boundaries in racing and performance.
HWA EVO Specifications
While HWA hasn’t revealed the complete technical breakdown for the race-spec model, we can expect it to build on the core specs of the street version with motorsport-specific upgrades.
| Spec Category | Expected Race-Spec Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged inline-4 or V6 (official engine TBA) |
| Horsepower | Est. 400+ hp (upgraded from street-legal 375 hp) |
| Transmission | Sequential racing gearbox |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| 0-100 km/h | Approx. 4.0 seconds (est.) |
| Top Speed | 280+ km/h (track setup) |
| Suspension | Fully adjustable racing suspension |
| Brakes | Motorsport-spec disc brakes with upgraded calipers |
| Safety | FIA-approved roll cage, harnesses, fire suppression |
| Weight | Lightened with carbon panels and stripped interior |
| Tyres | Race-spec slick tyres (as per N24 regulation) |
Features and Design: Retro Looks, Modern Racing Tech
The HWA EVO retains the aggressive, boxy silhouette of the iconic 190E Evo II, complete with flared wheel arches, bold aero elements, and that unmistakable rear wing. But don’t be fooled by its vintage styling—underneath is an ultra-modern engineering marvel.
For the Nürburgring 24hr race, the EVO will receive:
- Aerodynamic tweaks for high-speed stability
- Lightweight racing seats and stripped-out interior
- Re-engineered suspension geometry for optimal handling
- Updated racing electronics and data logging systems
These enhancements will give the EVO the edge it needs to compete in the grueling 24-hour format.
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Performance: Made for the Nürburgring
HWA has not just designed a fast car—they’ve built one for endurance. The Nürburgring is famously challenging, with 170+ corners over 25 km of twisting tarmac. Every aspect of the EVO’s performance has been fine-tuned to tackle this:
- Chassis Tuning: Engineered specifically for high-speed cornering
- Brake Cooling: Designed to handle the heat of 24-hour stints
- Fuel System: Optimized for quick refueling during pit stops
- Driver Ergonomics: Built for comfort and focus over long durations
This isn’t just a show car with a race livery. It’s a fully developed racing machine designed for one of the toughest events in the world.
HWA EVO Price & Availability
The road-going HWA EVO already commands a steep price of around €714,000 (approx. ₹6.3 Crore INR) due to its bespoke nature and limited production.
For the race version, HWA hasn’t disclosed a specific price. However, with the required motorsport modifications and engineering, it is expected to cost well over €1 million. Only two units will race in 2026, making it an ultra-exclusive affair
Launch Date & Race Schedule
- Track Version Launch (Official Reveal): Expected Late 2025
- Testing & Tuning: End of 2025 to Early 2026
- Nürburgring 24H Race Date: June 2026 (exact date TBA)
HWA EVO 190E to Race at 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours Conclusion
The return of the 190E in the form of the HWA EVO to the Nürburgring is more than just a race entry—it’s a passionate homage to motorsport history, honoring one of Formula 1’s greatest icons, Ayrton Senna. His legendary drive in the 1984 Nürburgring race will now be echoed by HWA’s cutting-edge tribute, storming the same track four decades later.
While only a lucky few will ever get their hands on this exclusive race-ready machine, fans across the world can look forward to seeing the HWA EVO tear up the Nürburgring once again—proving that old-school style and modern performance can coexist beautifully on the world’s most demanding racetrack.
HWA EVO 190E to Race at 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours FAQs
1. What is the HWA EVO?
The HWA EVO is a modern restomod version of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II. Built by HWA AG, it combines retro DTM-inspired design with modern-day performance and safety systems.
2. Will the HWA EVO be street legal?
Yes, the standard HWA EVO is street-legal, but the version entering the Nürburgring 24hr race will be a race-spec car, tuned specifically for track performance and not intended for public roads.
3. When is the 2026 Nürburgring 24H race taking place?
The 2026 edition of the Nürburgring 24 Hours is scheduled for June 2026, although the exact date will be confirmed by race organizers closer to the event.
4. How much will the race-spec HWA EVO cost?
While the street version is priced around €714,000, the track-ready variant is expected to exceed €1 million, owing to extensive performance, safety, and racing modifications.
