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 60º V6 engine, sourced from the PSA group (ES9J, the same utilized in the Peugeot 406, 407 y 607, and the Citroen C 5) although the Laguna engine, PRV (Peugeot, Renault & Volvo) an earlier development 90º V based in a V8 that never was. Was upgraded to around 230 PS (169 kW; 227 bhp) 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 (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.
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.
Read more about this topic: Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport
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