Details are scant, but the possibilities are exciting
HWA has made a name for itself by developing, building, and racing Mercedes-AMGs, and by producing the iconic, road-legal CLK GTR Straßenversion. It then ventured into the restomodding world with its limited-run, reborn 190E Evo II and is now turning its attention to a new project. This one appears to be a modern interpretation of the legendary AMG Hammer and it should get AMG fans very excited. The original Hammer launched in the mid-1980s as the ultimate version of the W124 sedan.
AMG was still an independent firm at the time, before Mercedes-Benz absorbed it. The car, officially badged the 300E 5.6 AMG, ditched the original naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 in favor of a 5.5-liter V8. This engine made 355 horsepower and 388 pound-feet of torque, enough for the rear-wheel-drive beast to hit 60 mph in just five seconds. It quickly earned a nickname of ‘The Hammer’ and was later updated with a 6.0-liter engine making 385 hp and 420 lb-ft. It’s a true AMG icon and is perhaps the perfect next project for HWA.
Wild looks and a modern engine
The German firm has published a single teaser image of its new car on social media. It hasn’t specifically described the car as a modern take or upgraded version of The Hammer, but that’s exactly what it looks like. It has that iconic W124 silhouette and appears to rock updated LED headlights and taillights. If HWA takes inspiration from the new Evo II, the car will probably also have more aggressively flared wheel arches and a host of significant changes under the skin.
Writing about this new project, HWA says the car will stay “true to its origins while exploring the possibilities of modern technology, a familiar idea is taking on an entirely new form.” It’s too early to know what engine the car may have. HWA could fit the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 it developed for the Evo II, which delivers 444 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
