The German tuning firm HWA, known for its high-performance vehicles, has recently made waves with its latest project—the HWA EVO. This modernized version of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II comes at a staggering price tag of $800,000 and isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about performance and safety. As part of ensuring its readiness for both sale and competition, HWA had to undergo rigorous testing, including a full-scale crash test on one of the prototypes.
In preparation for this expensive endeavor, each EVO starts with an original 190E that is completely stripped down and rebuilt using a mix of steel and aluminum components. It features a new driveshaft paired with a six-speed transaxle, adjustable dampers by KW, and Brembo brakes on all corners. Unlike the old Cosworth engine, this iteration sports Mercedes-Benz’s M276 V6, producing 444 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque.
The crash test wasn’t just about checking if the vehicle could withstand a frontal collision at 30 mph; it was also about evaluating how well the driver and passengers would fare in such an event. HWA emphasized that they performed extensive tests on seat restraints, head restraints, child restraint anchorages, and more to ensure comprehensive safety for all occupants.
HWA’s Instagram post highlighted Prototype 07 as the guinea pig for their crash test, showcasing the meticulous measures taken to validate every aspect of the vehicle’s integrity. The test involved a controlled collision with a barrier at 30 mph, aimed at evaluating steering column displacement and overall structural integrity. Despite some obvious damage from the impact, including crumpled body panels and debris in the engine bay, the passenger cell remained intact.
As we reported in our previous analysis of another high-end performance car, HWA’s commitment to rigorous testing is a testament to their dedication to safety standards. In this case, Prototype 07 not only demonstrated its ability to withstand the crash but also met all the necessary safety requirements for production, further solidifying the EVO’s status as a top-tier vehicle.
