The 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS’s 23 MPG combined fuel rating won’t break any efficiency records, but that’s not the primary concern of its buyers. This car is made for driving enjoyment, performance, and a road feel that few cars can match. The GTS model signifies an ideal balance in the 911 range: strong performance without the extreme prices of the Turbo or GT models. For the driver who values driving experience above all, fuel economy is a secondary concern, an acceptable tradeoff for the thrills.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates show a decrease in fuel economy in city driving, rating it at 20 MPG. Stop-and-go traffic, idling, and the urge to use the engine’s power all contribute to this. On the open road, the 911 GTS performs better, achieving 26 MPG. This is partly due to the seven-speed automatic transmission (AM-S7) shifting to higher gears, optimizing efficiency at cruising speeds. Even on the highway, aggressive driving will quickly reduce fuel economy. The car accelerates willingly, and resisting the urge for quick bursts of speed can be difficult.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS at $2,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices, which change. Considering the premium fuel required, this annual cost highlights the financial commitment of owning a high-performance vehicle. Buyers should consider this alongside insurance, maintenance, and other costs. While not excessive, the $2,500 annual fuel bill shows that this car is made for enjoyment, not saving money.

Real-world expectations

The official EPA numbers are a starting point, but actual fuel economy varies based on driving style and conditions. Hard acceleration, track days, and city driving will likely result in lower MPG than the EPA estimates. Careful driving on long highway trips might yield slightly better results. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and temperature can also affect fuel economy. For the typical 911 GTS driver, who values performance over efficiency, expect fuel economy to be close to, or slightly below, the 23 MPG combined rating.

How it compares

The 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is interestingly positioned compared to its competitors in fuel economy. A similar BMW M4 achieves around 20 MPG combined, while offering similar performance. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe, with its V8 engine, generally achieves similar numbers. The current generation 911 Carrera achieves nearly the same combined MPG. This similarity shows that in this performance range, differences in fuel efficiency are often small, and purchasing decisions are based on brand, styling, and driving feel. For more detailed comparisons, explore the 911 MPG across all years. And if you’re interested in the brand, see all Porsche fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS isn’t designed for fuel efficiency, but some things can help minimize fuel consumption without sacrificing driving pleasure. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking; smooth inputs will use less fuel. The engine provides torque, even at lower RPMs, so there’s little need to rev the engine to its redline during normal driving.

Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption. Check your tire pressures regularly, especially before long drives. A tire pressure gauge can improve fuel economy and handling.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the car. Extra cargo adds load, affecting fuel efficiency. Remove any non-essential items from the trunk or passenger area. While the weight savings might seem small, they can contribute to gradual improvements.

When possible, use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps to optimize fuel consumption, especially on long, flat roads. Cruise control eliminates small speed differences that occur when driving manually, leading to more efficient fuel use. Be mindful of traffic and be ready to disengage cruise control when needed.