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HWA Confirms 2026 Nürburgring 24h Entry with 190E EVO Restomod

HWA, the performance engineering firm renowned for its deep motorsport heritage, has officially confirmed its entry into the 2026 edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring with its modernized tribute to a motorsport icon—the HWA EVO.

Based on the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II, the HWA EVO is a restomod masterpiece that blends classic DTM styling with cutting-edge engineering. Now, the company has adapted its road-legal version for full competition duty on one of the world’s toughest tracks: the Nürburgring Nordschleife, also known as the “Green Hell.”

“Motorsport is in our DNA, and therefore in the DNA of the HWA EVO,” said Martin Marx, CEO of HWA AG, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to high-performance racing.

Two race-prepped HWA EVOs will compete in the SP-X class—a category reserved for unique or experimental vehicles. While the EVO already boasted formidable specifications, the race versions have undergone significant upgrades in performance, safety, and weight optimization.

Under the hood, the EVO features a 3.0-liter Mercedes V6 engine, likely the 24-valve M276 with a dry sump system, tuned to deliver over 450 horsepower. Despite modern comforts in the road version, the track variant has been trimmed down to just 1,350 kilograms.

Stopping power is handled by high-performance six-piston caliper brakes, while the car’s DTM-inspired suspension and aerodynamic enhancements—including flared wheel arches and a prominent rear wing—echo the visual aggression of the original 190E Evo II. That car famously clinched the 1992 DTM championship, ending BMW’s dominance with the E30 M3.

Lending their extensive racing expertise to the development of the race car are former DTM stars Roland Asch and Klaus Ludwig, who played crucial roles in Mercedes-Benz’s racing success during the golden era of touring car competition.

As the motorsport world looks ahead to 2026, anticipation is mounting to see if the HWA EVO can live up to its illustrious roots and carve a new legacy on the Nürburgring.

Source: HWA

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HWA Confirms 2026 Nürburgring 24h Entry with 190E EVO Restomod
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Tesla Launches Robotaxi Service in Austin with Limited Availability

Tesla officially kicked off its highly anticipated robotaxi service in Austin on Sunday, June 22, marking a major milestone in the company’s push toward autonomous urban mobility. However, the launch came with significant limitations, raising questions about how close Tesla truly is to a driverless future.

Despite previous promises by Tesla CEO Elon Musk that the service would be fully autonomous, the current version still requires human oversight. Each robotaxi ride includes a “safety monitor”—a Tesla employee seated in the front passenger seat who can intervene in the event of a system failure or dangerous situation. The vehicles are also supported by remote drivers and, at times, escorted by additional staff.

Unlike other companies that deploy human supervisors only during the testing phase, Tesla’s approach blends commercial operation with safety monitoring, signaling that the service may still be in a transitional phase.

For now, the robotaxi service remains exclusive and invitation-only. Tesla has extended invitations primarily to hand-picked influencers and supporters of the brand, sparking criticism over the objectivity of early feedback. The company has not disclosed when, or if, the service will open to the broader public.

Tesla’s self-driving fleet currently consists of 10 to 20 modified Model Y vehicles. These vehicles operate only within a limited area of Austin that Tesla has heavily mapped. Operations are restricted to a specific timeframe—6 a.m. to midnight—and pause during adverse weather conditions. The vehicles also avoid highways, airports, and complicated intersections, which experts say are some of the most challenging scenarios for autonomous systems to handle.

The robotaxi program does not yet include the much-hyped Cybercab, Tesla’s next-generation autonomous vehicle concept unveiled last year. That vehicle isn’t expected to hit public roads until at least 2026.

While the rollout signals a step forward in Tesla’s long-term vision, critics say the company’s slow pace and reliance on human oversight contrast sharply with Musk’s bold claims about full autonomy. As competitors in the autonomous vehicle space—such as Waymo and Cruise—face their own growing pains, Tesla’s cautious approach in Austin may reflect both the promise and the persistent challenges of making robotaxis a real-world reality.

Source: Reuters

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Honda eQuad is an Electric Quadricycle Designed for Urban Delivery

In a bold move aimed at redefining urban mobility and last-mile delivery, Honda has introduced the eQuad, a compact electric quadricycle under its Fastport brand. Tailored specifically for congested city environments, the eQuad promises to be both a sustainable and practical solution for urban logistics, blending innovation with functionality.

A Vehicle Designed for the Urban Jungle

At first glance, the eQuad might seem unusual — a minimalist, boxy design on four wheels. But beneath this unassuming exterior lies a carefully engineered machine built for efficiency. Available in two sizes, both variants of the eQuad are capped at a top speed of 20 km/h and offer a maximum range of 37 kilometers — just enough for short city trips and delivery routes.

One of its standout features is quick battery replacement, a crucial asset for minimizing downtime. The eQuad’s ability to travel on bicycle paths only enhances its appeal, allowing it to bypass traditional traffic congestion and navigate dense urban grids with ease.

Built for Cargo, Built for Speed (Well, Sort of)

The eQuad’s mission is clear: streamline last-mile delivery while reducing emissions and city traffic. The smaller version can carry up to 145 kilograms of cargo, while the larger variant boosts that to an impressive 295 kilograms. With cargo volumes reaching up to 4,200 liters, these vehicles are designed to meet the growing demand for faster, more frequent deliveries — from groceries to online orders.

Dimension-wise, the smaller model measures 3,400 mm in length, 1,000 mm in width, and 2,100 mm in height. Its bigger sibling extends slightly more at 3,658 mm long, 1,219 mm wide, and 2,134 mm high.

Function Over Form: Simple Yet Smart Design

Inside, the eQuad offers a spartan yet functional environment. Drivers sit on a bicycle-style seat and steer using two handles. A large digital display serves as both the instrument panel and infotainment hub. Additional features such as mirrors, lights, a UV-protected roof, and a fan for improved comfort round out the vehicle’s basic yet essential equipment package.

Mechanically, the eQuad uses a pedal-by-wire system with electric assist. Propulsion comes from an electric motor powered by replaceable batteries, and the vehicle includes regenerative braking and an automatic parking brake for added safety and energy efficiency.

From NSX to eQuad: An Unlikely Evolution

In a surprising twist, the eQuad is being produced at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio — the same facility that once assembled the legendary NSX, Honda’s flagship supercar often dubbed the “Japanese Ferrari.” While the NSX was discontinued in 2022, its spiritual successor in utility form now rolls off the same production line, symbolizing Honda’s shift from high-octane performance to clean, smart urban transport.

Coming Soon to a City Near You

Honda plans to launch the eQuad in Europe and North America by the end of this year, with large-scale production to follow in 2026. As cities worldwide continue to grapple with pollution, traffic, and delivery demands, the eQuad could become a cornerstone in a new era of urban mobility.

Whether or not it carries the thrill of an NSX, the eQuad marks an exciting step forward in Honda’s electric ambitions — one practical delivery at a time.

Source: Honda

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Honda eQuad is an Electric Quadricycle Designed for Urban Delivery

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