Renault Clio V6

Posted by cel on Apr 10, 2011 in Portfolio | 0 comments

Renault Clio V6 Phase II

 

One of my favourite photos taken in London during my Europe trip in 2009.

 

When you think of Renaults, you don’t really think of exotic cars, but I’d love to make an exception for this little gem. No doubt regular London visitors have seen this car parked at Wilton Crescent.

 

Compared to the original Renault Clio, the engine has been moved to the middle of the car, where the back seats should be, making this car a two-seater.

 

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 (188 kW; 252 bhp) V6, but also much more understeer than the Phase 1, a reworking of the suspension due to Tom Walkinshaw’s TWR concern.

 

Due to the engine moved from the front to the middle, this has sucked up most of its boot space. There’s only a small space in the front  where the engine used to be with just some room for the groceries. It also has a small netted area behind the seats plus a small stash area under the tailgate.

 

But really, who cares about getting groceries when you’ve got this car in stunning pearl yellow, the only place you should be taking it is to the track!

• Phase 1: 2946 cc L7X V6 petrol, 24 valves, 230 PS (169 kW; 227 bhp)
• Phase 2: 2946 cc L7X V6 petrol, 24 valves, 255 PS (188 kW; 252 bhp)

 

This car was never released in Australia, so I’m not sure if there are any around. I have read rumours that two made it to Australia though not sure if they were road registered here.

 

Technical info taken from Wikipedia.