17 MPG combined. Nobody buys a 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS expecting Prius-levels of fuel efficiency. This is a track-slaying weapon with a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six that screams to 9,000 RPM. The GT3 RS is about apexes and lap times, not hypermiling. Its fuel economy is secondary to the visceral experience it delivers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS at 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. These figures, achieved under standardized testing conditions, offer a baseline. However, a GT3 RS is rarely driven like a Camry. Expect lower numbers if you’re frequently exploring the upper reaches of the tachometer or tackling canyon roads. The automatic (AM-S7), which is PDK, dual-clutch transmission helps contribute to these numbers by offering quick and efficient gear changes, optimizing the engine’s performance depending on the driving situation.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is approximately $3,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices. Given the GT3 RS’s propensity for performance driving and its need for premium fuel, expect that number to potentially inflate significantly for owners who frequently track their cars or enjoy spirited weekend drives.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers. Real-world fuel economy in a GT3 RS is heavily dependent on driving style and environment. If you are using the car as intended, on the race track, fuel economy will be significantly lower than the official estimates. Expect somewhere south of 10mpg if you’re pushing the car hard on a circuit. Even on a spirited weekend drive, you’re likely to see numbers closer to the city rating, maybe even lower. Gas mileage is irrelevant to the experience for most GT3 RS owners.

How it compares

The 2016 911 GT3 RS is not about fuel efficiency, but how does it stack up against other similar performance vehicles? A 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, with its supercharged V8, manages a slightly better 15 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The 2016 Ferrari 488 GTB is rated at 15 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The Porsche’s German rival, the 2016 Audi R8 V10 Plus, achieves 13 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. What matters is that its intended buyer will consider these very different cars depending on budget and personal appeal, and the GT3 RS trades fuel efficiency for the more visceral, naturally aspirated experience a track junky desires. For context, you can explore 911 MPG across all years or check out all Porsche fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While gas mileage is unlikely to be a primary concern for GT3 RS owners, there are a few driving habits that can help you conserve fuel.

Avoid short trips. The engine consumes more fuel when cold. Allowing the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature will lead to more efficient combustion and fuel consumption. Consolidate errands to minimize cold starts.

Use a light foot on the accelerator when possible. Gentle acceleration and deceleration will help conserve fuel. Avoid “throttle-blipping” when downshifting if you are not on a race track, as it wastes fuel without providing any benefits.

Regularly check tire pressures. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency. Ensure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, or even slightly higher for highway driving (within tire’s maximum pressure limits). This also improves handling and tire wear.

Consider the grade of fuel used. While the GT3 RS requires premium fuel, using a higher octane than necessary won’t improve fuel economy or performance. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended octane rating to avoid wasting money.