The 2015 Chevrolet Camaro, equipped with the 7.0L LS7 V8 engine and a manual transmission, gets 15 MPG combined. No one buys this Camaro for fuel efficiency. They buy it for the thrill of a naturally aspirated, high-revving engine that delivers raw power to the rear wheels. For these buyers, fuel economy is a minor consideration tolerated to achieve driving nirvana.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 Camaro LS7 gets 13 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures won’t inspire confidence at the fuel pump. The city MPG reflects the engine’s thirst during stop-and-go traffic. The highway figure improves somewhat, but demanding consistent high-speed blasts will never be fuel-sipping. To drive this car as the engineers intended and enjoy its maximum potential, you will not average 19 MPG on the highway. It’s an optimistic number provided by engineers and algorithms, not always reflected in actual use.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro 7.0L is $3,850. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with an assumed fuel price based on national averages. It reminds us of the financial commitment involved in owning and operating a high-performance vehicle. For the owner accustomed to cars of this type, the $3,850 per year is often factored in, considered the “price of admission” to experience a unique car.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA. Real-world fuel economy for the 2015 Camaro LS7 depends on driving style. Someone enthusiastic about the LS7 might struggle to consistently achieve the EPA estimates. An aggressive driver can easily dip below 10 MPG. A more relaxed approach, focusing on smooth acceleration and moderate speeds, might bring you closer to the official numbers, but you’ll be sacrificing much of the car’s enjoyment. Most LS7 owners know that fuel economy is sacrificed for the incredible driving experience and will live with it.

How it compares

Compared to other muscle cars of its era, the 2015 Camaro LS7 isn’t remarkably worse or significantly better in fuel economy. The 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack with its 6.4L V8 achieves a similar 15 MPG combined, while the Ford Mustang GT with its 5.0L V8 manages a slightly better 19 MPG combined. However, these cars offer a different driving experience. Someone seeking the track capabilities and distinctive engine of the LS7 wouldn’t necessarily cross-shop it against the more daily-driver-oriented Mustang GT. Even if someone cared about saving MPG, they might analyze CAMARO MPG across all years to make the right choice. For them, the trade-off in performance capability is one they are happy to take.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While squeezing every last drop of fuel from the LS7 might seem odd, there are strategies to minimize consumption. Avoid hard accelerations and aggressive braking. The LS7’s power means you don’t need to bury the throttle to make quick progress. Smooth, controlled driving will significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Meticulously maintain the car. Regular oil changes, properly inflated tires, and clean air filters all contribute to optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. Neglecting basic maintenance will only worsen the already poor fuel economy.

Use premium fuel as specified by Chevrolet. The LS7 engine is designed to run on high-octane gasoline, and using lower grades can lead to reduced performance and potentially damage the engine, impacting fuel efficiency.

Cruise in higher gears whenever possible. The Camaro’s six-speed manual transmission allows for comfortable cruising at low RPMs, especially on the highway. Shifting up early can help reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing too much performance.

Consider the weight you’re carrying. Removing unnecessary cargo from the trunk and interior can slightly improve fuel economy. Every pound counts, especially when you’re fighting a powerful engine and a heavy car.

The 2015 Chevrolet Camaro LS7 is not a car for those overly concerned with fuel prices. It represents a commitment to pure performance, a tribute to the dying breed of naturally aspirated V8 engines. For the enthusiast who appreciates the thrill of driving, the fuel economy is simply a small price to pay for the experience. View all Chevrolet fuel economy data before deciding.