The Clio V6 Renault Sport was introduced in 2001 for the 2002 model year as a variant of the Renault Clio II. Inspired by the Renault 5 Turbo, and based on the Clio V6 Trophy race car, the V6 Renault Sport was a mid-engined, rear wheel drive hatchback. The mid-engine layout gave the car unique dynamic abilities for a hatchback, but the powerplant placement dictated the removal of the rear seats. The Clio V6 was built over two evolutions, Phase 1 and Phase 2. Production was limited compared to the standard Clio, with only a total of 2,822 examples built.