17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but that’s not really the point of the 2023 Audi R8 Spyder RWD with its snarling 5.2L V10. People don’t buy a naturally aspirated, open-top supercar for Prius-like efficiency. They buy it for the visceral thrill, the sonorous exhaust note, and the sheer theater of driving a machine that feels analog in a digital world. For them, fuel consumption is an accepted cost of entry.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the R8 Spyder RWD will achieve 14 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the realities of stop-and-go driving, where the big V10 is constantly modulating its power, and the automatic transmission cycles through gears. The highway number is more optimistic, assuming consistent speeds and less aggressive driving. The R8’s relatively low weight for a supercar, thanks to its aluminum construction, helps mitigate fuel consumption to some extent, especially on the open road. Resist the temptation to fully explore the engine’s capabilities and expect those numbers to drop significantly.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Audi R8 Spyder RWD is $3,400. This estimate is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes national average fuel prices. Given this car’s premium fuel requirement and the likelihood it’ll be driven with enthusiasm, you might find yourself exceeding that figure considerably. The R8 isn’t a daily commuter for most owners; it’s a weekend thrill ride, a statement piece, and a machine that demands to be experienced rather than simply used. Therefore, the fuel bill isn’t as important as the joy derived from driving it.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers entirely if you plan on seriously enjoying the R8 Spyder. The reality is, if you’re consistently pushing the engine, engaging launch control, or enjoying the car on track during HPDE days, your MPG will plummet into the single digits. Conversely, if you are merely cruising on the highway on road trips, and don’t do much city driving, you may see a MPG number in the low 20s. Don’t be surprised if your average dips below the EPA combined estimate. It’s a fair price to pay for the pure, unadulterated driving experience it delivers. Those considering an R8 likely have multiple vehicles and aren’t solely reliant on it for transportation, rendering its efficiency shortcomings less critical.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the R8 Spyder’s fuel economy is broadly in line with expectations for this class of vehicle. Consider the Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder, another direct competitor, which also brings a naturally aspirated V10 heart. The Huracan’s fuel economy is an EPA estimated 13 MPG city, 18 MPG highway. A Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, with its twin-turbocharged flat-six, delivers a more palatable 15 MPG city, 20 MPG highway. But the Porsche offers a different, more clinical driving experience. The Ferrari Roma Spider has an official number of 17 MPG combined, but you might find that hard to achieve in the real world. Those shopping for an R8 aren’t prioritizing MPG above all else; they are willing to trade some efficiency for a level of driver involvement and aural pleasure that many modern supercars have sacrificed in the pursuit of lap times and efficiency. Explore all Audi fuel economy data to see how the R8 compares to the rest of the Audi lineup, or R8 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Consistent throttle inputs and smooth acceleration will help reduce consumption. With its highly responsive engine, even small variations in throttle pressure can dramatically impact fuel burn. Avoid aggressive launches and hard braking to conserve fuel.

The R8’s AMS-S7 “S Tronic” transmission offers several drive modes. Select the “Efficiency” mode when possible, which optimizes shift points for lower RPMs and reduced fuel consumption. While this will slightly diminish the car’s responsiveness, it can make a noticeable difference on longer journeys.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces that V10 to work harder and sip more fuel. This is general advice for all vehicles but is extra important on a performance car like the R8.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoid congested city centers and opt for routes with less stop-and-go traffic. Consistent cruising at higher speeds, within legal limits, will generally improve fuel economy compared to navigating urban environments.

Keep your overall vehicle weight down. This is good practice on any vehicle looking to boost fuel economy. Don’t needlessly add cargo weight, the more the engine has to carry, the harder it must work, which results in more fuel consumption.