Original: The car was named after the then Renault-powered Formula One team WilliamsF1, though Williams had nothing to do with the design or engineering of this Clio. The modifications to the Clio 16S on which it was based were the work of Renault Sport, Renault's motorsport division.
Simplified: In 1999, the Renault Sport or Clio RS was launched as a 'hot-hatch' and as a replacement for the previous Renault Clio Williams.