The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, with its 3.8L 6-cyl engine, gets 17 MPG combined. Fuel efficiency is not a primary concern for GT2 RS buyers. This car prioritizes raw, unadulterated performance for a visceral experience. It’s engineered for track days and weekend drives. If you’re worried about MPG, this isn’t the right car.

City and highway performance

The GT2 RS achieves 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway, according to EPA estimates. The difference between the two figures is less significant than in some other performance cars, because this machine is always ready to perform. Whether on city streets or at the track, the twin-turbocharged 3.8L flat-six engine is ready to unleash its power and rarely idles, even at slower speeds. The automatic (AM-S7) transmission, while incredibly fast and efficient in its shifts, is programmed to keep the engine in its power band, sacrificing fuel economy for responsiveness. Consider these figures as estimates.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is $3,400. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a percentage of those miles in the city versus on the highway, using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. This figure is unlikely to deter buyers. If a $3,400 annual fuel bill is a concern, the GT2 RS is not affordable. The cost of tires for a single track day could exceed that amount.

Real-world expectations

Real-world MPG for the GT2 RS will vary based on driving style and environment. If you drive aggressively, you’ll likely see numbers below the EPA estimates. If you drive conservatively, you might approach the 21 MPG highway figure on a long cruise. However, the temptation to floor it will almost always win. The GT2 RS experience is intoxicating, urging the driver to explore its capabilities. Fuel efficiency is usually the last thing on one’s mind behind the wheel.

How it compares

The GT2 RS is predictably near the bottom for fuel economy among high-performance sports cars. A Lamborghini Huracan Performante, with its naturally aspirated V10, manages around 15 MPG combined. A Ferrari 488 Pista gets similar mileage. Even a more reasonable performance car like a Porsche 911 Turbo S gets around 20 MPG combined. These comparisons highlight the cost of extreme performance. Buyers cross-shop these cars, but the GT2 RS is a unique experience.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While saving fuel in a GT2 RS might seem odd, a few strategies could offer minor improvements. Practice smooth acceleration and braking. The GT2 RS responds best to deliberate inputs. Jerky movements will waste fuel and upset the car’s balance. Anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary acceleration and braking.

Use the car’s driving modes carefully. “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes enhance performance and increase fuel consumption. On the open road, selecting the standard driving mode can help optimize efficiency without sacrificing too much excitement. Avoid using launch control repeatedly, as it will reduce fuel economy. Save it for when it is necessary.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Maintaining the correct tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, which improves fuel efficiency. The GT2 RS’s tires are important for its performance, so keeping them properly inflated is important for both efficiency and handling. Check your tire pressure regularly.

Consider the weight you carry. Removing unnecessary items from the car will reduce its weight, leading to slightly better fuel economy. This is important when preparing for a track day, where every pound counts. Remove weight when possible without affecting daily usability.

Explore all Porsche fuel economy data and 911 MPG across all years to see the range of economy available. The GT2 RS is an exercise in excess.