Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 20 June 2025 – As part of the famous ADAC RAVENOL 24H Nürburgring, Hankook and HWA are jointly celebrating the premiere of the HWA EVO, a reinterpretation of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evo II, with tyres supplied by the premium tyre manufacturer. Even though the HWA EVO has been redeveloped from the ground up using state-of-the-art technologies and materials, its origins are still unmistakable. The marriage of the past and the modern is further attested by the special paintwork of the two prototypes to be seen at the Ring: one features a modern version of the classic Silver Distel (Silver Thistle), while the paintwork and decals of the second pay homage to the legendary DTM race car from the 1990s.
Hankook and HWA are both companies that look back on a successful history in racing. So what could make more sense than for them to work together on this project? Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director Motorsport at Hankook Tire Europe: “I’ve known Hans Werner Aufrecht and his team for many, many years so I was immediately on for the project when I heard about it. I am even more pleased that not only will the HWA EVO be on show this weekend for fans at the 24-hour race with sporty tyres from Hankook, but that the limited edition of 100 cars will also be fitted with them. Motorsport is in our company’s DNA. The transfer of technology from motorsport to tyres for road vehicles is an important part of the development work for this tyre segment.”
HWA CEO Martin Marx: “The Nürburgring feels like a second home for HWA. This is therefore the perfect occasion for us to show the HWA EVO to the public for the first time, with multiple dynamic laps of the Nordschleife itself. The HWA EVO reflects our values of absolute driver focus and unparalleled engineering integrity. Our commitment to extracting maximum performance means nothing without the highest quality software, components and tyres to realise the full potential of the car, and that is exactly what our partners have provided.”
The first unveiling of the HWA EVO for fans took place at the Adenauer Racing Day on 18 June. Further demonstration laps are planned for Friday (from 6 pm) and Saturday (from 2 pm). When not out on the circuit, both vehicles can be viewed in the paddock beside the HWA EVO Concept Demonstrator.
The HWA team is also developing a special racing version of the HWA EVO. Two cars will compete in the SP-X class at next year's Nürburgring 24 Hours with Hankook as a partner.
Fotocredits: HWA AG
