Clio V6 Renault Sport
Encyclopedia
The Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport is a hot hatch
based on the Renault Clio
launched in 2001. Designed by French
automaker Renault
the Phase 1 models were built by TWR in Sweden and Phase 2 by Renault Sport
in Dieppe. The mid-engined, wide-body concept of the Clio V6 was very reminiscent of the 1980s Renault 5 Turbo
.
was upgraded to around 230 PS and placed in the middle of the vehicle where the more ordinary Clios have rear seats - making this car a two-seater hot hatch. The Clio V6 was facelifted in 2003 to resemble the Clio Mk II Phase 2, and was extensively reworked following criticisms of the original Clio V6's handling (especially in the wet). The new vehicle had an upgraded 255 PS V6, but also much more understeer than the Phase 1, a reworking of the suspension due to Tom Walkinshaw
's TWR concern.
In order to accommodate the radical change from front-engine, front-wheel drive hatchback to mid-engine, rear-wheel drive two-seater quasi-coupé, the car had to be extensively reworked structurally, leading to the Phase 1 version being some 300 kg (660 lb) heavier than the sportiest "regular" Clio, the 172 Cup. Due to this, even though the V6 model had significantly more power, it was not remarkably faster in a straight line accelerating to legal road speeds than the 172 Cup - accelerating to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.2 seconds compared to the Cup's 6.7 seconds - though its maximum speed was significantly higher (146 mph compared to 138 mph). The Clio V6 Phase 2 gained even more weight but offset it with even more power resulting in a reduced 0-60 mph run at 5.9 seconds and a 153 mph (246 km/h) top speed. Production of the specialized bodies was subcontracted to Valmet
in Finland.
in the world with 255 bhp, exceeding the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA
(250 PS) and the SEAT León Cupra R
(225 PS). Based on the Phase 1 engine, its extra performance was helped with assistance from Porsche
.
Though based on a utilitarian hatchback, the Clio V6 is not a practical family car. With an average fuel consumption of 20 miles per US gallon (8.5 km/L), this resulted in an empty fuel tank in just over 300 miles (482.8 km). The loss of the back seats and most of the boot space, due to the engine placement, results in a severe restriction in luggage space - there is only a small space in the front where the engine used to be, suitable for a holdall or week-end groceries, a small netted area behind the seats plus a small stash area under the tailgate. The enhanced steering makes tight manoeuvring a little challenging, the turning circle is 13 m (42.7 ft) - around three car lengths - turning what might normally be a three-point turn into a five-point turn.
Standard equipment includes rain sensing windscreen wipers, automatic headlights, air conditioning, and six speakers and CD changer. The Phase 2 Clio V6 retailed for £ 27,125 in the United Kingdom, until it was withdrawn from sale in 2005 coinciding with a facelift for the Clio range. The long-term reviews in Evo magazine were enthusiastic, claiming "It's a modern classic" for the Phase 2 version.
Hot hatch
Hot hatch was originally an informal automotive industry term, shortened from hot hatchback, initially coined by the British motoring press in 1984, for a high-performance derivative of a car body style consisting of a three- or five-door hatchback automobile.Vehicles of this class are based on...
based on the Renault Clio
Renault Clio
The Renault Clio is a supermini car produced by the French automobile manufacturer Renault. Originally launched in 1990, it is currently in its third generation...
launched in 2001. Designed by French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
automaker Renault
Renault
Renault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past, autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the world's third largest automaker...
the Phase 1 models were built by TWR in Sweden and Phase 2 by Renault Sport
Renault Sport
Renault Sport Technologies is the France motorsport division of Renault. Renault Sport was responsible for Renault's sports car racing entries during the 1970s, including their win at the 1978 24 Hours of Le Mans race with the Renault Alpine A442.Actual Renault's Formula One team, Renault F1 in...
in Dieppe. The mid-engined, wide-body concept of the Clio V6 was very reminiscent of the 1980s Renault 5 Turbo
Renault 5 Turbo
The Renault 5 Turbo or R5 Turbo is a high-performance hatchback automobile launched by the French manufacturer Renault at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1980...
.
Clio V6 Phase 1 (2001-2003)
The Clio V6 was based on the Clio Mk II, though it shares very little by way of parts with that car. The 3.0 V6 engine, sourced from the Renault LagunaRenault Laguna
The Renault Laguna is a large family car produced by the French manufacturer Renault. The first Laguna was launched in 1993, the second generation was launched in 2000, and the third generation was made available for sale in October 2007....
was upgraded to around 230 PS and placed in the middle of the vehicle where the more ordinary Clios have rear seats - making this car a two-seater hot hatch. The Clio V6 was facelifted in 2003 to resemble the Clio Mk II Phase 2, and was extensively reworked following criticisms of the original Clio V6's handling (especially in the wet). The new vehicle had an upgraded 255 PS V6, but also much more understeer than the Phase 1, a reworking of the suspension due to Tom Walkinshaw
Tom Walkinshaw
Tom Walkinshaw was a Scottish racing car driver and the founder of the racing team Tom Walkinshaw Racing...
's TWR concern.
In order to accommodate the radical change from front-engine, front-wheel drive hatchback to mid-engine, rear-wheel drive two-seater quasi-coupé, the car had to be extensively reworked structurally, leading to the Phase 1 version being some 300 kg (660 lb) heavier than the sportiest "regular" Clio, the 172 Cup. Due to this, even though the V6 model had significantly more power, it was not remarkably faster in a straight line accelerating to legal road speeds than the 172 Cup - accelerating to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.2 seconds compared to the Cup's 6.7 seconds - though its maximum speed was significantly higher (146 mph compared to 138 mph). The Clio V6 Phase 2 gained even more weight but offset it with even more power resulting in a reduced 0-60 mph run at 5.9 seconds and a 153 mph (246 km/h) top speed. Production of the specialized bodies was subcontracted to Valmet
Valmet
' was a Finnish state-owned conglomerate. Valmet was formed in 1951, when the state of Finland decided to group their various factories working on war reparations to the Soviet Union under one company...
in Finland.
Clio V6 Phase 2 (2003-2005)
At the time of its launch in 2003, the upgraded Phase 2 Clio V6 was the most powerful serial produced hot hatchHot hatch
Hot hatch was originally an informal automotive industry term, shortened from hot hatchback, initially coined by the British motoring press in 1984, for a high-performance derivative of a car body style consisting of a three- or five-door hatchback automobile.Vehicles of this class are based on...
in the world with 255 bhp, exceeding the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA
Alfa Romeo 147
The Alfa Romeo 147 is a small family car produced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 2000 to 2010. The 147 was voted European Car of the Year for 2001, beating the Ford Mondeo and the Toyota Prius....
(250 PS) and the SEAT León Cupra R
SEAT León
The SEAT León is a small family car built by the Spanish car manufacturer, and Volkswagen Group subsidiary SEAT, S.A. since October 1998.The two León generations are, or have been built upon two differing variants of the Volkswagen Group A platform, and they also share many other components with...
(225 PS). Based on the Phase 1 engine, its extra performance was helped with assistance from Porsche
Porsche
Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German based holding company with investments in the automotive industry....
.
Though based on a utilitarian hatchback, the Clio V6 is not a practical family car. With an average fuel consumption of 20 miles per US gallon (8.5 km/L), this resulted in an empty fuel tank in just over 300 miles (482.8 km). The loss of the back seats and most of the boot space, due to the engine placement, results in a severe restriction in luggage space - there is only a small space in the front where the engine used to be, suitable for a holdall or week-end groceries, a small netted area behind the seats plus a small stash area under the tailgate. The enhanced steering makes tight manoeuvring a little challenging, the turning circle is 13 m (42.7 ft) - around three car lengths - turning what might normally be a three-point turn into a five-point turn.
Standard equipment includes rain sensing windscreen wipers, automatic headlights, air conditioning, and six speakers and CD changer. The Phase 2 Clio V6 retailed for £ 27,125 in the United Kingdom, until it was withdrawn from sale in 2005 coinciding with a facelift for the Clio range. The long-term reviews in Evo magazine were enthusiastic, claiming "It's a modern classic" for the Phase 2 version.
Engines
- Phase 1: 2946 cc L7XPSA ES engineThe PSA ES engine or Renault L engine is a V6 engine used in automotive applications. It was co-developed by the PSA Group and Renault to replace the outdated PRV engine. It was introduced in 1997 with the Peugeot 406 Coupé....
V6 petrol, 24 valves, 230 PS - Phase 2: 2946 cc L7XPSA ES engineThe PSA ES engine or Renault L engine is a V6 engine used in automotive applications. It was co-developed by the PSA Group and Renault to replace the outdated PRV engine. It was introduced in 1997 with the Peugeot 406 Coupé....
V6 petrol, 24 valves, 255 PS