RENAULT

Is the Clio RS Williams back?

The Williams was the most memorable version of the small Clio, launched in 1993 and powered by a 2.0 naturally aspirated engine with 150 hp and a chassis refined by Renault Sport, which featured a wider front axle. Now, after more than 30 years, the idea of ​​reviving the concept of the daring little sports car, the RS Williams, has emerged, designed based on the latest generation of the French model, which arrived on the market at the end of 2025.

The proposal starts by surprising and even captivating with its design, showing a Clio with a more aggressive front, generous body extensions to accommodate the wider axles, front and rear, while the rear is graced with a huge wing and an exuberant "extractor". Although many potential customers would like to immediately order this new Renault sports car, the reality is that this Clio RS Williams is not the work of the French manufacturer, but of a respectable artist who released the images through Instagram and whose name is David Baylis Design.

It's worth remembering: the 1990s Renault Clio Williams is still considered one of the most legendary compact cars of its time. Originally designed for rallying, the Williams quickly became a coveted icon thanks to high demand – also because Renault significantly exceeded its initial production plans. With its precise steering, 150 hp inline four-cylinder engine, and striking design, it shaped an entire generation of sports hatchback enthusiasts. Consequently, well-preserved examples are rare on the used car market.

To this day, the Clio Williams is considered a landmark for the brand and the origin of all subsequent sports versions – up to the Clio RS with its final 220 hp. The fact that a designer has now merged this DNA with a modern Clio demonstrates a deep love for the brand and automotive culture.

In the presented project, the current Clio design meets the iconic heritage of the Williams. Baylis gave a modern interpretation to the typical metallic blue paint and gold wheels.

Furthermore, there are sporty details such as larger air intakes, darkened headlights, striking side skirts, and a prominent rear diffuser with a roof spoiler. Together, these elements give the compact car a significantly more aggressive attitude.

The project is accompanied by a detailed, fictional specification: a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 300 hp, a six-speed manual transmission, and a weight of around 1410 kilograms – it seems someone thought of their vision down to the last detail.

Although Renault is currently focused entirely on efficiency, hybrid technology, and everyday usability, the Williams redesign revives the Clio's sporty past. The fact that it's just a rendering doesn't diminish its appeal.

The unknown designer not only created his sports car, but also imagined the mechanics, which are based on a 2.0-liter engine, this time supercharged to reach 300 hp. And it's not difficult to guess the origin of this unit, since, despite being advertised as 2.0 liters, its performance corresponds to that provided by the 1.8-liter supercharged engine with which Renault equipped the Mégane RS Trophy-R, which allowed it to reach 262 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and to have been, for a long time, the fastest front-wheel-drive sports car at the Nürburgring.

A Clio RS Williams like this would make perfect sense in the French manufacturer's lineup, allowing it to rival models like the Toyota Yaris GR, with 280 hp and all-wheel drive. Renault may not be very receptive to launching a gasoline-powered version of its most popular model, without electrification and emitting almost 200g of CO2/km, but manufacturing a limited series of a few thousand units wouldn't affect the manufacturer's average emissions, which by 2026 could already count on the R5, R4, and Twingo electric models to reduce its carbon footprint. 

Remember that the production of the Clio Williams in 1993 was only 3,800 units, but its popularity pushed it over 17,000. It's not impossible that Renault will move forward with a sporty version of the Clio, which would boost the model's image and help attract customers to the more affordable versions. And, if that happens, don't forget David Baylis…

Autonews