High-Stakes Heritage: First HWA Evo Series Model Heads to Auction with Hefty Tag at Tegernsee

HWA Evo: The First Production Model of the Mega-190 Goes to Auction

The anticipated bidding price at the Tegernsee auction is rather steep

The transformation of a seemingly ordinary family car into a fiery, winged beast and a true racing champion was perhaps best exemplified by the iconic Mercedes 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II. When it debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1990, it must have stunned car enthusiasts with its dramatic fender flares and an almost comically oversized, adjustable rear spoiler.

The reason for the additional bodywork was, as often is the case, due to racing regulations. To meet the FIA's Group A homologation requirements for the DTM, 502 street versions of the "Evo" had to be produced. Each of these was painted in a blue-black metallic hue and fitted with 17-inch wheels. Powering the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II is a Mercedes-described "high-revving" 2.5-liter four-cylinder short-stroke engine delivering 235 horsepower and 245 Newton-meters of torque.

Photo Gallery: 2025 HWA EVO

Having a high-revving engine is quite smart, especially since this car thrives on high speeds. Peak power hits at 7,200 RPM, and maximum torque is achieved at 5,000 RPM. The sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds may not seem remarkable for a sports car by today's standards. However, this speedster can blaze up to 250 km/h.

RM Sotheby's is stepping up its game with an even more extreme offering based on the 190 model for its inaugural auction at Tegernsee. This auction is set to take place during the debut of the Concours of Elegance, slated for July 22 to 27, 2024, which aims to showcase some of the world's most sought-after classic cars in Bavaria.

Among the early highlights submitted for the auction is the unique opportunity to purchase the very first build slot for the highly anticipated HWA Evo. This vehicle draws inspiration from Mercedes' W201 series, specifically channeling the iconic design of the 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II. It reimagines this classic style for the modern era by merging the traditional silhouette with cutting-edge propulsion, suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics.

From a technical standpoint, HWA proposes a transaxle configuration featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine sourced from Mercedes. It delivers an output of 331 kW (450 hp) and a peak torque of 550 Newton-meters. Gear shifting is managed by a manual six-speed transmission.

The highly anticipated reimagining of a classic is set to become an instant classic itself, with plans to construct only 100 units. The very first of these will be sold "off-plan" at an auction at Tegernsee.

Since its inception as an independent entity in 1998, HWA has gained recognition as one of the leading global brands in motorsport engineering. The acronym HWA originates from the name of one of AMG's original founders, Hans-Werner Aufrecht. Based in a state-of-the-art facility in Affalterbach, Germany, the company has clinched multiple victories in the DTM (German Touring Car Masters) championship, featuring iconic drivers such as Bernd Schneider.

Current athletes representing Mercedes:

The HWA Evo project represents the latest addition to a prestigious lineup of street vehicles, which includes the remarkable Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe and the acclaimed 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series.

RM Sotheby's estimates the initial selling price for the premiere HWA Evo to be between 700,000 and 900,000 euros. By contrast, a standard Evo II in mint condition is valued at 320,000 euros.

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