Renault Clio V6 RS
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | February 25, 1899 in France |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Website | www |
The Renault Clio V6 RS (commonly known as the Renault Clio V6) is a hot hatch featuring a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that debuted in 2001, produced by the French manufacturer Renault. The initial Phase 1 models were assembled by Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) in Uddevalla, Sweden, whereas the Phase 2 cars were crafted and hand-assembled by Renault Sport at their Dieppe, France facility. Both generations were engineered with involvement from TWR. Its design, characterized by a mid-engine placement and wide-body stance, draws inspiration from the 1980s Renault 5 Turbo. Due to limited manufacturing numbers, both editions are considered rare. In addition to the road-going versions, Renault developed the Clio V6 Trophy—a track-exclusive racing variant equipped with a sequential Sadev gearbox, comprehensive roll cage, magnesium wheels, and an enhanced power output of .
Clio V6 Trophy (1999–2003)
Produced at Renaultsport’s Dieppe plant, the Clio V6 Trophy was a race car created for a one-make championship aimed at promoting the Clio 2 lineup. It followed the Renaultsport Spider Trophy series, which concluded in 1998. Starting with a front-wheel-drive Clio chassis, these competition vehicles underwent significant modifications to fit a 3-litre V6 engine sourced from the PSA group unit found in the Renault Laguna. The Trophy served as a precursor to the road-legal Clio V6 introduced in 2001. Despite some visual resemblance, the racing and street models shared minimal body components.
Between 1999 and 2003, a total of 159 Trophy cars were manufactured.
Clio V6 Phase 1 (2001–2003)
Derived from the Clio Mk II platform, the Clio V6 shares very few components with its standard counterpart. It incorporates a mid-mounted 3.0L 60° V6 ES9 engine from the PSA group, tuned to approximately , replacing the rear seating area and transforming it into a two-seater performance hatchback.
The transition from a front-engine, front-wheel-drive setup to a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration necessitated extensive structural reengineering. The Phase 1 model weighed roughly more than the high-performance Clio 172 Cup variant. Although it produced greater power, its acceleration from 0– took 6.2 seconds compared to the Cup’s 6.7 seconds; however, it achieved a superior top speed of versus . The mid-engine layout combined with rear-wheel drive delivered a unique driving dynamic.
Production numbers for Phase 1 reached 1,631 units between 2001 and 2002.
Clio V6 Phase 2 (2003–2005)
Introduced in 2003, the Phase 2 iteration of the Clio V6 held the title of most powerful production hot hatch worldwide at , outperforming rivals such as the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA () and SEAT León Cupra R ().
Despite its impressive performance credentials, the Clio V6 is not suited for family use. It consumes fuel at an average rate of , restricting its driving range to just over . The engine’s position eliminates rear passenger seating and limits cargo space to a small front compartment along with minimal rear storage. Additionally, its tight turning radius of complicates maneuvering in confined spaces.
While Phase 2 gained additional weight compared to its predecessor, it also saw an increase of 80 hp in power output, enhancing acceleration to achieve 0– in 5.9 seconds and raising maximum speed to .
Standard equipment included rain-sensitive windshield wipers, automatic headlight activation, air conditioning, and a six-speaker CD audio system. Priced at £27,125 in the UK market, this version was discontinued in 2005 coinciding with a facelift for the standard Clio model. The car received acclaim from Evo magazine as a "modern classic" and was listed among Jeremy Clarkson’s top ten favorite cars.
From 2003 until production ended in 2005, a total of 1,309 Phase 2 units were built.
Engines
| Model | Engine | Production Years | Output | Torque | Engine Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trophy | ES9J4 V6 | 1999–2003 | 285 PS | 307 Nm | 2946 cc |
| Phase 1 | ES9J4 V6 | 2001–2003 | 230 PS | 300 Nm | 2946 cc |
| Phase 2 | ES9J4 V6 | 2003–2005 | 255 PS | 300 Nm | 2946 cc |