Renault Clio V6 Phase 1

Renault Clio V6 Phase 1

The Renault Clio V6 Phase 1 is one of the most audacious production cars ever conceived. Taking the humble Clio supermini and replacing the rear seats with a 3.0-liter V6 engine mounted transversely behind the driver, Renault Sport created a miniature mid-engined supercar that was as terrifying as it was thrilling. Built in limited numbers by TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) in Dieppe, the Phase 1 Clio V6 became an instant legend.

The idea originated with the Renault Clio V6 Trophy racing series, which used mid-engined Clios as identical race cars for gentleman driver competitions. The success and visibility of the series led Renault to commission a road-going version. TWR was contracted to develop and manufacture the car, essentially rebuilding a Clio Mk2 body shell around a central engine installation.

The 2,946cc V6 engine, derived from the Renault Laguna's unit, produced 230 horsepower in the Phase 1 specification. Mounted transversely behind the passenger compartment and driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, the engine transformed the Clio's character completely. The V6 had a characterful, slightly coarse soundtrack that became a snarl at high revs.

The body was dramatically widened to accommodate wider wheels and the bulging rear haunches necessary to house the engine. The Phase 1 was 175mm wider than a standard Clio, giving it an aggressive, muscular stance that announced its extraordinary nature. Large air intakes in the rear flanks fed cooling air to the engine, and the overall visual impact was startling.

Driving the Phase 1 was an experience that demanded respect. The mid-engine layout gave the car excellent turn-in, but the short wheelbase and rearward weight bias meant that the rear end could snap sideways with very little warning if the driver was clumsy or over-ambitious. Professional drivers and journalists praised the car's raw excitement but warned that it required skill and concentration to drive quickly. The Phase 1 earned a reputation as one of the most challenging road cars of its era.

The interior retained recognizable Clio elements but with the rear seats replaced by an engine bulkhead. Two people sat in Recaro sports seats with a clear view of the engine cover behind them. The dashboard was largely standard Clio, creating a surreal contrast between the ordinary controls and the extraordinary driving experience.

Only 1,513 Phase 1 cars were built between 2001 and 2003, with each requiring extensive hand assembly. The car was succeeded by the Phase 2 version, which received a power increase to 255 horsepower and significant chassis revisions to tame the Phase 1's challenging handling. The Phase 1 remains the more exciting and sought-after variant among enthusiasts who appreciate its raw, unfiltered character.