Mercedes 190E Legacy Ignites as HWA Evo Debuts at Nürburgring 24 Hours

Few cars are as deeply intertwined with the legendary Nürburgring as the Mercedes 190E. When the Nürburgring GP circuit opened in 1984, a fleet of identical 190E 2.3-16 models raced fiercely in the iconic Race of Champions, featuring 20 of the era’s greatest drivers. It was here that Ayrton Senna, then a relative newcomer, stunned the motorsport world by beating nine Formula 1 World Champions to claim victory, cementing his status in racing history. Beyond that unforgettable race, the 190E touring cars continued to make their mark at the Nürburgring, particularly during the DTM events supporting the famous 24-hour endurance race. Those weekends must have been electric for fans and drivers alike.

Fast forward to today, and it feels incredibly fitting that HWA’s bold interpretation of the ultimate Mercedes 190E-inspired machine is making its dynamic debut at the Nürburgring during this year’s 24 Hours event. Both the car and the company behind it carry rich legacies linked to this demanding track, guaranteeing that enthusiasts attending the N24 will be eager to witness the V6-powered Evo in action, both visually and sonically.

Currently undergoing rigorous testing with Bosch, two HWA Evos will tackle the full Nordschleife circuit on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Fans will get the chance to see these machines at speed, not just in the familiar stealthy black, but with one Evo dressed in a striking Silver Thistle paint, while the other sports a racing livery inspired by one of the most legendary DTM liveries of all time.

If the renderings are any indication, the latter pays homage to the iconic black-and-silver Boss-liveried 190E Evos from the early 1990s—vehicles famously driven by DTM legends like Klaus Ludwig and Bernd Schneider. This nod to Mercedes’ glorious DTM past is not just appropriate; it’s a passionate tribute to a golden era of German motorsport.

Martin Marx, CEO of HWA, remarked on the significance of the Nürburgring for the company: “With our long history of racing success and the remarkable role that our founder, Hans Werner Aufrecht, has played in German motorsport history, the Nürburgring feels like HWA’s second home. This makes it the perfect occasion to introduce the HWA Evo to the public with multiple dynamic laps around the Nordschleife.” When not tearing up the track, the Evos will be showcased at HWA’s paddock stand, adding another highlight for visitors during the N24 weekend.

But there’s more to look forward to. HWA has promised a press conference this Thursday with “exciting news about the future of the HWA Evo.” With “2026” emblazoned on one of the prototypes and Marx’s strong connection to the Nürburgring, it’s clear that racing ambitions for the Evo are very much on the horizon. This comes alongside whispers of a hypercar project in the works. Given HWA’s previous involvement in completing the stunning De Tomaso P72, they certainly have the pedigree and expertise to make waves in the high-performance automotive world.

For fans of Mercedes, touring cars, and cutting-edge motorsport technology, the HWA Evo’s Nürburgring debut is a thrilling chapter in a story that began decades ago. Stay tuned—these developments promise to accelerate the legend even further.