While the launch of the HWA EVO grabbed attention as a modern take on a touring car icon, the real story has been playing out behind the scenes. Long before any customer cars hit the road, the development and testing phases have been brutal, in a good way, closer to OEM territory than what you’d expect from a limited-production series. It’s one thing to modernize an icon like the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II, but making it behave like a modern car under all conditions is where things get more exciting.
Kicking off 2026, a pair of prototypes were sent north to Vaitoudden, where winter testing pushed the cars into sub-zero conditions on ice and snow. Temperatures dropped to around -4°F, which is where electronics tend to start acting up. That’s where things like traction control, ABS, and vehicle stability had to be dialed in to react early and predictably when grip isn’t there.
Testing then moved in the opposite direction, down to Spain, where heat, grip, and higher speeds changed everything entirely. The same systems that were calibrated for slick surfaces now had to handle higher loads and sharper responses. Adjustments were made to keep everything balanced, especially as speeds climbed and the car’s behavior became more dependent on electronics.
At this stage, most of the core electronic development is signed off, which is a big step considering how much of the driving experience relies on software as much as hardware. There’s still work to be done on overall performance and final details, but the foundation is locked in. Plenty of restomods can look the part, especially when they’re inspired by cars like the Evo II, but finding that perfect balance between timeless styling and a state-of-the-art driving experience is where it really counts.
