17 MPG combined won’t win any awards in the efficiency department, but it’s also hardly relevant to the mission of the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2L 10-cyl. This isn’t a car bought for its lower fuel costs; it’s purchased for the visceral experience of a naturally aspirated V10 engine just inches behind your head, the wind whipping through your hair, and the adoring stares of onlookers. Fuel economy simply isn’t a priority for those writing the checks for this open-top supercar.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the R8 Spyder will achieve 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure, reflecting stop-and-go traffic, is likely where most owners will see the biggest deviation from the EPA’s assessment. The car’s eager throttle response and intoxicating engine note make restrained driving a significant challenge, especially in urban environments. The highway number is more attainable, but even then, the temptation to exploit the R8’s prodigious power for quick overtakes or extended cruising at elevated speeds can easily dip the mileage below the 22 MPG mark. This model uses a seven-speed automatic transmission (Audi calls it S Tronic) calibrated for rapid shifts and performance, not fuel conservation.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,400 for the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder, based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline, which this vehicle requires. This figure serves as a benchmark, but your actual expenses will vary based on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the total number of miles you clock. Owners who primarily use the R8 Spyder for weekend excursions or performance driving events will likely spend significantly more on fuel than someone who only uses it sparingly. Given the high cost of ownership associated with a vehicle of this caliber, the fuel bill is unlikely to be a major concern.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy for the R8 Spyder is heavily dependent on the driver’s habits. Owners who prioritize performance and regularly exploit the V10’s capabilities should expect to see numbers closer to the city estimate, if not lower. Those who primarily use the R8 Spyder for longer journeys and employ a lighter foot on the accelerator might approach the highway figure, but consistent adherence to posted speed limits and restrained acceleration is vital. Across various user reports and independent tests, few owners report exceeding the EPA combined estimate of 17 MPG in typical driving scenarios. Expect a wide range, but budget accordingly.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the R8 Spyder isn’t an outlier in fuel consumption. The Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, sharing a similar V10 engine and architecture, is rated at 13 MPG city and 18 MPG highway. The Ferrari 488 Spider, with its turbocharged V8, achieves a slightly better 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway, but the performance characteristics and driving experience differ substantially. Even the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, known for its blend of performance and usability, only manages 19 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. While these numbers appear superior on paper, the 911 Turbo S is a fundamentally different vehicle in character and mission. If fuel economy is a primary concern, there are more suitable, and far less exhilarating, options available. You can see all Audi fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel economy might not be top of mind for R8 Spyder owners, there are still steps to take to minimize consumption, even if modestly. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as the V10 engine responds dramatically to throttle inputs. Maintaining a steady speed on the highway and anticipating traffic flow can also conserve fuel.

Ensure that the tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Check tire pressures regularly, especially before long drives.

Take advantage of the car’s automatic transmission and allow it to shift smoothly. Avoid manually downshifting for unnecessary acceleration, as this burns extra fuel without significantly improving performance in most daily driving situations. This model R8 is geared for performance, but still strives for reasonable efficiency in daily use. Always keep up on maintenance, you can view R8 MPG across all years, and service the car accordingly.

Limit idling time. Modern engines warm up quickly, so extended idling is unnecessary and wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine, although remember that restarting the car consumes some fuel as well.

Consider using the R8’s available “efficiency” driving mode (if equipped). This mode adjusts engine mapping and transmission behavior to prioritize fuel conservation, although it does compromise some of the car’s performance capabilities. Only use this mode when fuel consumption is the primary goal.