by A new interpretation of a legendary model
HWA is not the only company that looked at the Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II and saw potential for a restomod. While HWA prepares the first cars for customers, Italian firm Vespera Automobili has taken the wraps off its own reworked version of the Evo II, called the Iride Evo 5.
Unveiled earlier this week, the Vespera car follows HWA’s philosophy. The sedan’s design has been modified but remains true to the original, and its performance has been significantly increased. For now, only one example exists, although Vespera says more will appear if buyers confirm demand.
Brighter than any original
A lightweight carbon fiber widebody was developed for the car. While the Iride Evo 5 retains the original’s proportions, the widebody includes extended front and rear fenders, a unique front bumper, and a massive splitter. Thanks to these new fenders, the car is 3.9 inches wider on each side.
The first example shown in Italy is painted in Montreal Green – the same shade available on the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. To make this paint even more striking, it is contrasted with gold OZ Racing wheels of a classic rally design.
Other exterior changes include an updated rear bumper, new badging, and a large rear wing. Vespera has not yet finished the interior, but it is expected to receive its own set of upgrades.
An engine that exceeds all expectations
The HWA restomod has a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing up to 493 hp, more than double the power of the original. Vespera goes even further: it took the Mercedes M103 inline-six, expanded it to 3.0 liters, added forged internal components, and fitted a massive turbocharger. The result is 765 hp and 910 Nm of torque.
Thanks to this power, the restomod can accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h). The price has not yet been announced, but it could be as high as, or even higher than, the HWA EVO, which costs around $770,000 before taxes.
Thus, the Italian restomod surpasses its competitor in power, which could attract the attention of collectors looking for the most extreme version of the legendary model. The unknown price and limited production only add to the intrigue, and the project’s future will depend on real demand for such exclusive cars.
Photos: Vespera Automobili
