The HWA Evo R Is Nürburgring Racer You Can BuyHWA (HWA)The HWA Evo R is a more extreme version of the HWA Evo, a modern reimagining of the classic Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II.The Evo R is derived from a race car that will compete at this weekend's 24-hour Nürburgring race; only 15 will be built.The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 produces 552 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque.If you grew up in the early '90s and love cars, there's a good chance you idolized the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II, the winged homologation special developed for racing in the DTM series. You also may be aware that the Evo II has reemerged as the HWA Evo, which uses the body of an old 190E and transforms it into a modern performance beast. Now, HWA is taking it a step further with the Evo R, a track-focused version that serves as a counterpart to the race car HWA will enter for this weekend's 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.The track-ready model is inspired by the HWA Evo.R race car.HWA (HWA)HWA has a serious pedigree. Created by one of AMG's founders after the performance division was bought by Mercedes, HWA has run race teams in partnership with Mercedes in DTM, GT3, and Formula E. HWA has also done engineering work for the V-12 in the Pagani Huayra R and the chassis in the De Tomaso P72. Now, HWA has embarked on its own journey with the Evo.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile the original Evo II featured a 232-hp four-cylinder, HWA's creation packs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, a version of Mercedes-Benz's M276 engine that HWA heavily revised. For the track-ready R model, HWA turned up the wick from 493 to 552 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque. The engine pairs with a six-speed sequential transaxle that feeds the rear wheels.HWA (HWA)The "normal" HWA Evo already looks pretty aggressive, with swollen fenders and a towering rear wing, but the Evo R takes it even further. The body kit brings even wider front and rear wheel arches, with a series of slots cut into the front fender to help extract hot air from the brakes. The vents behind the front and rear wheels have also grown, while a new NACA duct lives just below the C-pillar. HWA also fitted polycarbonate windows to shed weight, as well as special Ronal lightweight racing wheels. The rear wing has also been revised, featuring a new two-tiered central section with pointy end plates.Inside, HWA added a carbon-fiber racing seat, a movable pedal box, and a FIA-homologated roll cage and fuel cell. There's also an air-jack system to automatically raise the car when it hits the pits, a racing exhaust, a specially tuned six-way adjustable suspension, and AP Racing competition brakes.HWA will also offer a drinks system, air conditioning, a passenger seat, and an endurance-spec lighting system. Owners will be supported by HWA's technicians and a dedicated parts service, and they will gain access to special track events too. Only 15 examples of the HWA Evo R will be built, and they are not road legal.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029