Mercedes 190E Returns: HWA Revives a DTM Legend for Nürburgring 2026
The iconic Mercedes-Benz 190E is back—reimagined for modern endurance racing, thanks to HWA AG. This rebirth of a motorsport legend is set to electrify the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours.
For fans of classic German touring cars, few names carry as much weight as the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II. Once a fierce DTM competitor in the early ‘90s, this angular sports sedan earned cult status for its sharp handling, high-revving engine, and unrelenting racing spirit. Now, in a move that merges heritage with cutting-edge engineering, HWA AG—the company founded by AMG co-founder Hans Werner Aufrecht—is bringing the 190E back to life.
From DTM Legend to Nürburgring Contender
HWA AG has confirmed plans to enter two modern interpretations of the Mercedes 190E in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. These cars, officially named the HWA Evo, aren’t restorations or retro replicas. Instead, they are fully reengineered, track-focused beasts that honor the past while racing toward the future.
According to HWA, the Evo is “a homage to a motorsport legend” and a symbol of how analog racing values can coexist with modern performance demands.
Twin-Turbo V6, Six-Speed Manual, and Track-Ready Engineering
Under the hood, the HWA Evo swaps the original naturally aspirated inline-four for a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. In its base configuration, the Evo churns out 443 horsepower, but there’s an optional upgrade available that pushes output up to 493 hp—turning it into a genuine track weapon.
Transmission? A classic six-speed manual gearbox, preserving the raw driver engagement that made the original 190E so beloved.
Other notable upgrades include:
- Lightweight composite body panels
- Track-focused aerodynamics
- Stripped-down racing interior
- Weight below 3,000 lbs in road-going trim
It’s an ideal blend of modern power and old-school racing philosophy—a car that doesn’t just nod to history but channels it at full throttle.
A Special Class for a Special Machine: SP-X at the Nürburgring
HWA’s entries will race in the SP-X class, a category at the Nürburgring 24 designed for unique, prototype-style cars that don’t fit into traditional GT or touring classifications. This gives HWA room to innovate while pushing the boundaries of what a tribute car can be on the world’s most grueling racetrack.
While exact race-day specs are still under development, insiders expect:
- Full FIA-spec roll cages
- Advanced racing suspension
- Race-tuned ECU and telemetry systems
- High-downforce aero kits built for Nürburgring’s 170+ turns
The Nürburgring, with its long straights, extreme elevation changes, and unpredictable weather, is the perfect stage for this reborn legend to prove its mettle.
A Full Circle Moment: Legends Reunited
HWA’s revival isn’t just technical—it’s emotional. The team behind the modern 190E includes Roland Asch and Klaus Ludwig, two legendary drivers who piloted the original 190E in its DTM heyday. Their involvement brings authenticity and insight into fine-tuning the car for both nostalgic value and cutting-edge performance.
And then there’s HWA itself—a company with direct lineage to AMG’s golden era. Hans Werner Aufrecht, the “A” in AMG, launched HWA AG after leaving Mercedes-AMG, and he was the driving force behind Mercedes’ original DTM program. This project is as much about legacy as it is about racing.
“This is not a marketing exercise—it’s a passion project rooted in decades of motorsport history,” HWA stated during the announcement.
Could BMW Revive the E30 M3 Next?
With Mercedes bringing back the 190E in such spectacular fashion, motorsport fans can’t help but ask: Will BMW respond?
The original DTM rivalry between the Mercedes 190E and the BMW E30 M3 is the stuff of racing legend. With HWA raising the stakes, it’s not far-fetched to imagine BMW Motorsport debuting a modern M3 homage to relive those fierce trackside battles.
Imagine it—2026 Nürburgring, 190E vs. M3, round two.
Not Just a Race, but a Tribute to Motorsport’s Soul
For automotive enthusiasts, this isn’t just another race entry. It’s a moment of reflection on everything that made the analog racing era special: high-revving engines, mechanical grip, driver involvement, and the visceral joy of pushing a machine to its limits.
The HWA Evo is more than a car—it’s a spiritual successor. It honors the era when drivers like Ayrton Senna piloted the 190E around Nürburgring in exhibition races, and when DTM cars were fan-favorites for their raw, untamed performance.
Come 2026, when the green flag waves at Nürburgring, HWA’s 190E revival won’t just be competing for a podium. It’ll be racing for the soul of motorsport.
Final Thoughts: A Legend Reborn for a New Generation
The return of the Mercedes-Benz 190E, reborn through HWA’s precision engineering and motorsport pedigree, is one of the most exciting developments in racing ahead of 2026. It’s not about nostalgia alone—it’s about honoring a legacy while pushing performance boundaries.
Whether you’re a longtime DTM enthusiast or a newcomer to racing, this car represents the best of both worlds: classic charm and modern performance. And when it roars through the Nordschleife in 2026, the message will be clear—legends never die.