HWA Crashed an $800,000 Mercedes EVO So You Can Drive One Safely | Carscoops

      The luxury restomod has recently undergone 60 crash tests and is now moving on to the final performance evaluations.

      HWA is producing 100 EVOs, drawing inspiration from the iconic Mercedes 190E.

      A dedicated prototype completed testing conducted by TÜV Süd for certification.

      The crash testing program included frontal collisions and checks for steering column intrusion.

      Last year, HWA presented a modern take on a motorsport classic with its reinterpretation of the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 EVO II, known as the HWA EVO. Priced at around $800,000 each, this vehicle is not merely a design tribute but the result of an extensive development program akin to what one would expect from a major automotive manufacturer.

      This entails rigorous crash testing, meaning one of these carbon fiber vehicles has had to endure impacts to ensure that others can eventually be delivered to their owners.

      The German engineering team plans to produce only 100 customer vehicles, accompanied by several prototypes for validation and certification purposes. Recently, one such prototype underwent 60 separate assessments by the technical service provider TÜV Süd.

      To adhere to safety guidelines, a specific test vehicle was built for a series of impact tests, including a frontal collision at 50 km/h (31 mph) to assess steering column intrusion.

      The EVO also completed acceleration tests in both directions and assessments of the ISOFIX anchorage points to verify their strength. Additionally, brake and emissions systems were scrutinized to ensure they meet all relevant regulations.

      "Our dedication to engineering excellence demands that we put our vehicles through the same stringent standards we uphold with the world's top automotive manufacturers," stated HWA’s Chief Technology Officer Gordian von Schöning.

      "We have invested significantly in designing and developing the HWA EVO with the same perspective as that of creating an entirely new car, and these remarkable crash test results reflect that commitment."

      What Happens Next?

      Although crash testing has been completed, the EVO is not yet available for customers. HWA is conducting dynamic trials at locations such as the Nürburgring, winter sessions in Northern Europe, and evaluation runs in Southern Spain.

      The company also made headlines with a prototype entry at Italy’s Tutto Bene Hill Climb, while another vehicle is currently touring North America, visiting Lime Rock Park and the Concours of Highlands in Mt. Kisco, New York. The next destination is Las Vegas, where it will be showcased at SEMA.

      There has been no update on the number of available build slots for the EVO, but a few months ago, it was reported that “most” of the 100 planned vehicles had already been sold.