2003 Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport

Handbuilt by Renault Sport. Performance-enhanced by Porsche. The Phase 2 Clio V6 Renault Sport was the world’s most powerful mass-produced hot hatch when released in 2003.

Tom Walkinshaw Racing built the first version (Phase 1) in 2001 by reinforcing the chassis of a Renault Clio, removing its front-mounted engine and mounting a high-performance 3.0-liter V6 engine in the middle of the vehicle in place of the rear seats! This radical departure from convention increased acceleration, raised maximum speed and generated a 911esque roar from behind the front seats that is truly exhilarating.

But Renault wasn’t satisfied. In 2003, Renault Sport teamed with Porsche to further boost performance. This included modifying the 3.0-liter, 24-valve DOHC RS V6 engine to produce an additional 25 horses for a total of 255 PS at 7,150 rpm — a whole lot of muscle for a compact 3-door hatchback. The resulting Phase 2 version accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and hits a top speed of 153 mph.

Of course, the Clio V6 doesn’t make a lot of common sense. Its midship configuration minimizes passenger and luggage space, its fuel economy is less than 25 miles per gallon, and its handling is optimized for stability at the cost of maneuverability.

But enthusiasts can’t get enough of its wide rally-car looks, powerful engine specifications and crazy midship concept. It’s really fun to drive, especially at high revolutions, and all the more lovable because the light steering takes getting used to and demands respect around corners.

In Japan, the Clio V6 Renault Sport was sold as the Lutecia V6 Renault Sport because Honda had the rights to the Clio name (“Lutecia” is derived from “Lutetia,” the Latin name for Paris). This made no difference to Japanese enthusiasts who eagerly acquired the little muscle machine and created a market for pristine, secondhand Clio (Lutecia) V6s in Japan.

This Clio V6 Renault Sport with rear spoiler, bronze colored wheels and standard sports seats is in truly excellent condition. Imagine how much fun you’ll have driving one of these around, showing your friends and opening up the hood to pretend the engine is missing.

Only around 1,300 of the 255-horsepower Clio V6 Renault Sports were produced. And not surprisingly, they have become classics sought by car fanatics and collectors everywhere.

At Japan Car Direct, our experts in Japan can contact specialist dealers around the country and help you scour Japan’s 150,000 used cars on auction every week to find the best possible deal on a Clio V6 — or whatever car you seek, whether it be a 25-year-old JDM turbo kei car, high-performance drift car, exotic supercar or German luxury vehicle (LHD or RHD).

Through vast experience and the right connections, we not only find the best deal on the secondhand vehicle of your dreams, but arrange for a professional third-party inspection, make the purchase while communicating every detail to you with utmost clarity, and have your vehicle exported on the first available ship to your country.

Why purchase something more expensive in lesser condition when you can directly import exactly what you want at lower cost from Japan?

Japan Car Direct makes it easy every step of the way.