HWA Confirms Race-Spec 190E Evo Restomod for 2026 N24 Entry

Known for its entry field that’s as varied as the Nordschleife’s 157 corners, the starting grid for next year’s N24 has just got a little bit more interesting with HWA’s announcement they’ll be entering a race-prepped version of their 190E restomod in 2026.

The idea is less absurd when you remember this is HWA we’re talking about – the outfit behind all Mercedes-AMG GT racing cars since 2011. They’ve also had a hand in the Pagani Huayra R and De Tomaso P72, among others. Then of course there is the DTM pedigree of the donor car.

Two cars will be entered into the SP-X class for 2026. Martin Marx, CEO of HWA, said: “Motorsport is in our DNA, and consequently in that of the HWA Evo. As the first road car to bear the HWA name, it was clear to us that we should further develop the project in line with this heritage.”

Prototype road cars have been undertaking demonstration laps during this year’s N24 race week as part of an extensive testing programme. Development of the 100-run, circa £750,000 road car is nearing completion, and once signed off, attention will turn to the race car. The full details of the modifications required in terms of performance, weight and safety regulations are therefore set to be released at a later date.

The driver line-up is also to be announced, but there is a strong likelihood Roland Asch and Klaus Ludwig will feature on the roster. Both are development drivers for the Evo and were behind the wheel for the demonstration laps. HWA has, however, confirmed the mechanics and crew will all have backgrounds in DTM – given HWA is the most successful team in the history of DTM, it could bring a decisive advantage. Keen Mercedes historians will also note HWA was founded by Hans Werner Aufrecht – the A in AMG. Further evoking the motorsport legacy of the 190E Evo II will be lead sponsor Hankook, whose logo adorned the original touring car.

“During our preliminary testing of the prototype road cars it was instantly apparent that the HWA Evo is everything we built it to be,” added Gordian von Schöning, CTO of HWA. “Imbued with both the legacy of the iconic 190E Evo II which inspired it and the storied success of HWA as a motorsport manufacturer, we are incredibly excited to bring the car to the Nürburgring to demonstrate its full capabilities.”

The SP-X category accounts for non-homologation vehicles, meaning the HWA Evo could come up against the likes of a Glickenhaus, so it remains to be seen if the restomod will be competitive. One thing’s for certain – the HWA Evo might just steal the show at the 2026 N24.