New V6 Spec

[Leigh]

I am delighted to be able to provide further details on the very exciting new Clio Renaultsport V6 255 – the ultimate
expression of Va Va Voom…..

This fabulous new car builds on the previous outrageous Clio Renaultsport V6 and adds even more power and
extreme specification.

Performance:

The mid-engined 3.0 24V V6 engine has increased in power by 11% to 255bhp at 7150rpm. As if it needed it, the
performance has improved with a top speed of 153 mph and 0-62 time of just 5.8 seconds. The 6 speed gearbox has
revised ratios and a reduced shift throw to make gear changes even more pleasurable – however with 300Nm of
torque it’s not that necessary !

Chassis:

Visual chassis changes are the OZ Superturismo wheels increasing in diameter to 18" and now with wider tyres at the
rear and a wider front track. These changes, together with a new rear subframe, longer wheelbase, larger anti-roll bar
and new springs, will improve the handling.

Exterior:

At the front xenon headlamps with washers now sit above an even deeper front spoiler giving an even more
aggressive look. The 18" OZ wheels are now with a polished finish. The side air intakes are now highlighted in
Titanium silver. At the rear there is a larger colour keyed spoiler above the rear window.

Colour choice:

There will be 3 colours available - Titanium 647, Mars Red 274 and Illiad Blue 549.

Interior:

The new fascia now features climate control and a radio/single CD with under seat mounted multi-CD player. The
seats remain a mix of leather and alcantara with the Renaultsport logo embroidered into the backrest. The exterior
colour is now replicated on to the full length of

the centre console and on the fascia and steering wheel inserts. Headlamp and wiper operation is now automatic.

Numbering:

The UK cars will be consecutively numbered on a plaque on the centre console as they are built and imported.


Safety, Security and Insurance:

The V6 255 still features intelligent front airbags for driver and passenger together with lateral airbags. Security is a
priority with UK cars being fitted with RAID, a Thatcham 1 volumetric alarm, immobiliser, visible and etched VIN,
locking wheel nuts and the latest RAC Trackstar 2 system.

 

[RobFenn]

Sounds very good, i wish they made it 300bhp though to make it a genuine Scooby alternative rather than someone whos looking for something different.

 

[telford_mike]

I dont think itll ever be a Scooby alternative - being a 2 seater with very limited luggage space will always limit its appeal. Its totally impractical as an every-day car, the Subaru holds all the cards in this respect.

 

[RobFenn]

Exactly, so in terms of a driving experience the V6 should be surpassing the Subaru. Renault themselves claim it as a mini supercar, they should put their money where their mouths are!

 

[KDF]

Nonsense.. the v6 is about as practical as you can get.. i would be totally justified selling my 172 and spending my wages for the next year on it..

 

[RobFenn]

Unless youre a millionaire its definetly a heart over head decision, which is what its all about.

 

[telford_mike]

Absolutely, which is (a) why I keep banging on about getting one, and (b) why my missus doesnt understand

 

[RobFenn]

cant wait to have my mid life crisis!

 

[paddymph]

anyone think they should be a tad quicker?? 255BHP 3L Clio!!? I know 5.8 is well impressive but imagine if it could do low 5s!

 

[telford_mike]

Quote: Originally posted by RobFenn on 11 April 2003

cant wait to have my mid life crisis!

LOL! Tip: If you get married make sure shes the same age as you, otherwise you get your mid-life crisis before she does and daft cars will still be a contentious issue!

 

[teady172]

paddy,

Thats 5.8 0-62. Id imagine mid 5.5 to 60, Id call that quick.

Any idea of final price??

 

[JJ172]

£28k supposedly

 

[paddymph]

feck!! thats the same as the new 276BHP Evo 8!

 

[Dash]

"The side air intakes are now highlighted in
Titanium silver."

And if its a red or silver car are they highlighted in Illiade blue?

 

[RobFenn]

Not a fan then Dash?

 

[Dash]

I need to see just what the match between the wheels and the Titanium intakes is like. I feel it would look ok if they are a perfect match, but one may have to keep the wheels perfectly clean, or manage to have both items dirty at the same time.

I suppose as it only costs £20 to spray the intakes, you could have them body coloured at any time.

 

[RobFenn]

Will you be getting one? Or are after a S2000 still or whatever it is?

 

[teady172]

I cant believe they are colour coding the intakes, it looks so out of place, ludicrous!!!!!

If I ever get my hands on one, Id either ask Renault to colour code them, or get the dealer to do it before I took delivery!

 

[RobFenn]

I think its one of those things where youd see it in the flesh and change your mind

 

[Dash]

RichClioV6

Forum User




Clio V6
03 March 2003
21 Posts









Just bought a Honda s2000



I have been offered a private demonstration by Renault for some hassle they gave me over backoreder parts. I know I will probably fall in love with its newness, but I need a couple of months wait until my interest covers another new car this year. I have just ordered a new V6 MPV for the family stuff. My wife will go ape sh*t I know, but I am dropping wee hints now and then

 

[djmcfish]

Performance wise this model is only OK compared to scoobies, Evos etc but ... it manages to have flared everthings, vents and so one without looking tacky like the competition! Proper head turner and does 0.4 or so of a second to 60 really matter in the real world? So far I recon this is the best "super hatch" since the Escort Cossie!

 

[Dash]

Quote: Originally posted by teady172 on 11 April 2003


I cant believe they are colour coding the intakes, it looks so out of place, ludicrous!!!!!

If I ever get my hands on one, Id either ask Renault to colour code them, or get the dealer to do it before I took delivery!

Well knowing Renault, the intakes will really turn out to be an option that never becomes reality.

 

[Jeremy Townsend]

I have just come back from the press launch in the South of France (tough job but someones got to do it). The car is fabulous (yes I know Im biased etc). The press have driven it on a very slippery wet track at Albi and then enjoyed a 2 hour blat around the countryside. Expect coverage in next weeks Autocar and Auto Express. The monthlies were there - Car, Evo, CCC, F1, What Car, and their coverage will be in the next issue. Top Gear are out there next week filming.

The side air intakes are in Titanium Silver on the Mars Red and Illiad Blue cars.

 

[RobFenn]

Cool

 

[Tom]

where was my invite?

 

[Dash]

Quote: Originally posted by Jeremy Townsend on 11 April 2003


Expect coverage in next weeks Autocar and Auto Express. The monthlies were there - Car, Evo, CCC, F1, What Car, and their coverage will be in the next issue. Top Gear are out there next week filming.

So we can also expect it to be sl*gged off as much as the Mk1. Depending of course on how big the competitions back hander is to the editors.

Jeremy? Any ideas when the Mk3 & MK4 V6 is coming ?

 

[Jeremy Townsend]

Oh, and Leigh, thanks for re-printing my letter to the Dealers !

 

[JJ172]

And I hope we can expect some spirited driving of the new V6 at the Renaultsport Palmersport day on 27th June....

 

[Graham Gooch]

dash,

i read the v6 is a very fun!(slide) car to drive, but whats it like as i am seriously giving it alot of thought, although it is competing with a lancia integrale evo2 and a 3door sierra!!!,

btw, im not after out and out pace like 0-100 in 1 sec lol but quick enough to make people think twice

 

[Eddd]

Im not impressed with the power that Renault are extracting from 3 litres in what is supposed to be a super car. BMW managed to get more out of their M3 3.0 almost ten years ago, and they are getting over 100hp per litre now in the 3.2 and have been for 7 years!

 

[BenR]

Thing is, they aint even trying!!!

Having taken the old V6 engien apart i was ASTOUNDED by the lack of effort towards any sort of power producing design.

A single TINY TB, mild cams, weak springs, untouched crank....very very rougn inlet manifold........

the std head and block can produce an easy 285bhp with no touches apart from some work on balancing. With some effort, 100bhp/ltr would be more than available.

I wonder why Renault call it a performance car...they didnt even try! lol

 

[Mrdemon]

that would cost money to do all that work.

it is a mass production car after all

 

[BenR]

yes, it would........but no much more than changing the parts used in teh robots that assemble it!

The engine is a std laguna effort bar a set of diff cams.

The ClioTrophy cars pump out about 285bhp with NO mods to any parts. Only diff cams, a diff twin plenam and twin TB inlet manifold arrangement and diff valve springs........