The Renault Sport Clio V6 24V '00 is a legendary hot hatch that stands apart from the typical supermini crowd, thanks to its radical engineering and motorsport roots. Unveiled at the turn of the millennium, this unique vehicle reimagined the Clio by moving the engine from the front to a mid-rear position, drawing inspiration from racing pedigree rather than city car practicality. Its monstrous 3.0L V6 powerplant churned out 230 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful hot hatches of its era, and it was paired with rear-wheel drive—an uncommon configuration for a model derived from a compact hatchback.
The genesis of the Clio V6 24V traces back to Renault’s desire to create a road-going homage to their one-make Clio V6 Trophy racecar, which competed in the late 1990s. Eschewing the practical back seats in favor of engine space, the production car became a true driver’s machine. With wide arches, flared bodywork, and a bespoke chassis developed by TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) in Sweden, it fused racing looks with genuine performance. On the road, the Clio V6 delivered exhilarating performance with a 0-60 mph time under six seconds—a remarkable feat for a hatchback. While its handling was infamously lively and challenging at the limits, it remains a beloved icon among driving enthusiasts.
Although the Clio V6 24V '00 didn’t achieve widespread motorsport glory in the same way as lighter, rally-bred Clios, it nonetheless became a cult classic. The car’s rarity, bold engineering choices, and aggressive styling have made it highly sought after among collectors and Renault fans worldwide. Its unique approach—merging supercar sensibilities with hatchback origins—has influenced a generation of performance cars and continues to capture the imagination of car enthusiasts and gamers alike, thanks to its prominent appearances in games like Gran Turismo.
