The Nürburgring Nordschleife is legendary. No other venue puts the capabilities of cars and drivers to the test quite like the “Green Hell”. For HWA, one of the most successful motorsport teams of recent decades, the (re)entry into the 24h Nürburgring is therefore a return to its roots. As early as 1972, the team – then still operating as “AMG-Ing. Büro und Motorenbau” – entered the legendary Mercedes 300 SEL 6.5 in the N24h, a car that became a legend as the “Rote Sau” (red pig). Now, the company – which has since evolved into the HWA racing team – is commemorating another great era in its own history with a special vehicle: the HWA EVO.R, a state-of-the-art racing version of the road-legal HWA EVO, whose styling is inspired by the iconic Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II.
The history of HWA and the EVO-R series
The history of HWA is deeply rooted in the tradition of motorsport. Since its foundation in 1998, the Affalterbach-based company has established itself as a leading developer and tuner for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and has made a name for itself in particular through outstanding successes in the DTM. It is the successes in this series that have significantly shaped HWA and continue to define the company’s DNA to this day.
With the HWA EVO.R, a race-specific prototype developed by the team specifically for use on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the company is now opening a new chapter. The EVO.R is not only a technical masterpiece, but also a tribute to one of the most famous cars in the history of Mercedes-Benz: the 190E 2.5-16 Evo II. In the early 1990s, the Evo II was the quintessential ‘Baby-Benz’ – a car that enjoyed great success both on the road and in motorsport. The HWA EVO.R continues this tradition, combining classic elements of the legendary car with state-of-the-art technology. “The HWA EVO.R is a unique project for us. It combines our heritage with the latest technology. This car is not just a tribute to the past, but a clear step into the future of motorsport,” explains Martin Marx, CEO of HWA.
The HWA EVO.R – A technical masterpiece for the “Green Hell”
The HWA EVO.R is far more than just a car. It is a prototype developed specifically for the conditions of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The car will compete in the SP-X PRO class at the 2026 ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, with HWA planning to field three EVO.Rs. These cars are characterised by their aggressive aerodynamics, wide wings, sophisticated chassis geometry and powerful engines, offering everything required for class victory in the “Green Hell”. It is a car that reflects both the tradition of the DTM and HWA’s innovative strength. “The move from the EVO to the racing version was a natural decision, but also a technical challenge,” explains Gordian von Schöning, CTO of HWA. “The basis of the car remains the EVO, but we have tailored every component to the demands of the racetrack. It is a true masterpiece of motorsport technology.”
Bruno Spengler: A comeback at HWA
One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the driver line-up. It includes, among others, the sons of those drivers who either drove the Evo II 190 themselves in the DTM of the 80s and 90s or were among its competitors: Sebastian Asch, Luca Ludwig and Markus Winkelhock. But more recent DTM history is also represented in the cockpit. This includes the comeback of one of the best-known drivers in German motorsport: Bruno Spengler. The Canadian, who competed for HWA in the DTM between 2005 and 2011 and became one of the series’ most successful drivers, is returning to the “Green Hell” for the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours. “It feels great to be driving for HWA again. I accepted straight away when Martin Marx rang me,” says Spengler, who is clearly excited about his return. “This is a very special project, and the car is truly impressive. It reminds me of my DTM days – the seating position is very similar; you sit low in the car, which I personally really like.”
Bruno Spengler has competed in the Nürburgring 24-hour race in the past, but his last start was in 2017. Since then, he has had no opportunity to reacquaint himself with the demanding Nordschleife. “The tests with the EVO.R have already felt good. The car is superbly balanced, has enormous power and impressive brakes,” says the 2012 DTM champion, continuing: “It will take a few more laps to get to know the track better, but my first impressions make me very optimistic.”
The team behind the HWA EVO.R
The driver line-up for car #61 was in top form at the 24h Qualifiers, featuring Bruno Spengler, Evald Holstad, Peter Ludwig and Christian Gebhardt. “We’ve been reunited with many familiar faces from my DTM days in this team, which makes the return to HWA even more special,” said Spengler.
The sister car, bearing start number #62, was driven by Markus Winkelhock, Luca Ludwig, Sebastian Asch and Jamie Green – another top driver with a history at HWA in the DTM. HWA CEO Martin Marx sums it up: “It’s incredible how well the team works together. Every single member contributes their expertise and passion to bring this extraordinary project to reality. It is a real joy to see the team heading to the Nürburgring with the HWA EVO.R and opening a new chapter in HWA’s history with this car.”
A new star in the sky of the 24h Nürburgring
With the HWA EVO.R, a new legend returns to the ‘Green Hell’. HWA is drawing on its extensive motorsport experience to create a car that not only sets racing fans’ hearts beating faster, but also has the best chance of succeeding in one of the world’s most demanding races. The return of Bruno Spengler, combined with the history and technical innovations of the HWA EVO.R, promises thrilling races and has already become a crowd favourite.