Renault Clio V6, the French beast celebrates its 20th anniversary

The Renault Clio V6 is one of those models that manufacturers take a risk on and win. This legendary model from the diamond brand celebrates its 20th anniversary as a true wolf in sheep’s clothing. Behind its innocent appearance, this model hides enormous potential. In 1998, at the Paris Motor Show, the French manufacturer presented the concept of the Renault Clio Sport V6 24V, and the public’s response was so excellent that two years later, in 2000, it reached the market.

At that same Paris Motor Show, Renault also presented a new Renault Twingo and the concept of the Renault Vel Satis. Following the significant reception the new Clio received, the French brand commissioned a development and production study from TWR, Tom Walkinshaw Racing. The initial idea for the Renault Clio V6 came from the Clio V6 Trophy series. This race model was equipped with an engine derived from a Renault Laguna; however, before being fitted into the chassis of the new Clio, it received forged pistons, a higher compression ratio and a higher rev limit, among other changes.

The 3.0-litre V6 engine was naturally aspirated and capable of producing 233 CV, helping the compact sports car go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 236 km/h. The engine became the centrepiece of the Clio, as it was placed inside a completely hand-built structure situated between the driver and the passengers. Power reached the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, developed from a five-ratio unit. The new Clio also featured a limited-slip differential. According to the manufacturer itself, “the short wheelbase and the lack of traction control ensured that the Renault Clio V6 offered an incredibly exciting and demanding drive”.

Renault Clio V6, a sleeper that has made history

This new Renault Clio featured a front subframe based on that of the Renault Clio 172 but with an additional reinforcing crossmember. This model had a new suspension with a revised structure, featuring a MacPherson front and a multi-link rear, while the anti-roll bar came from the Clio Trophy. It was 171 mm wider than a conventional Clio, its track was 110 mm wider at the front and 138 mm wider at the rear. It was also lower and longer when compared with its sibling.

The Renault Clio V6 Phase 1 units were hand-built in Sweden. TWR was able to produce twelve cars a day. Not all of them had 67-litre fuel capacity, but they were equipped with a six-CD changer, ABS and air conditioning. In total, 1,631 units of the Renault Clio V6 Phase 1 were built.

Two years later, the time for an update arrived. The Renault Clio V6 managed to reach 258 CV thanks to new cylinder heads and a flow induction system. It achieved a top speed of 246 km/h. Now the transmission and gear ratios are shorter. This allowed it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. The wheelbase was longer than that of the Phase 1 and the track even wider. The suspension is stiffer and has new bump stops. It is said that Porsche Engineering helped Renault squeeze every last bit out of the V6 engine.

Now, the Renault Clio V6 features new light clusters, larger wheels and renewed air intakes. The legendary blue colour was joined by Liquid Yellow. The Phase II was manufactured at the Alpine Dieppe plant, and 1,309 units were built.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackRenault Clio20 versions · from 16,390 €