17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, nor should it. This figure, the EPA’s official rating for the 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring with its magnificent 4.0L flat-six and six-speed manual, is frankly irrelevant to the car’s mission and, more importantly, its buyer. This isn’t transportation; it’s an experience. It’s an instrument of precision, designed to thrill on backroads and reward skillful drivers who are willing to chase its stratospheric 9,000 RPM redline. Anyone cross-shopping this car with, say, a Prius is fundamentally missing the point.

City and highway performance

The GT3 Touring’s official EPA ratings are 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures should be taken with a grain of salt, though. The city number will plummet even further if you’re stuck in stop-and-go traffic, constantly engaging the heavy clutch and managing the responsive throttle. Conversely, the highway figure assumes relatively sedate cruising. Unleash the engine’s fury on the open road, and that 21 MPG will quickly diminish as the tachometer needle swings right and the glorious howl of the flat-six fills the cabin. The six-speed manual, perfection in its tactility and precision, certainly doesn’t help with fuel efficiency. Each downshift is an invitation to explore the engine’s upper reaches, a temptation few owners will resist.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring at $3,400. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a mix of city and highway miles, at current national average fuel prices. Given the GT3 Touring’s likely usage, spirited weekend drives and occasional track days, many owners will almost certainly exceed this figure. Consider it a baseline, and a relatively conservative one at that. Keep in mind that this car requires premium fuel, further adding to the cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers. Real-world fuel economy in the GT3 Touring will be significantly influenced by driving style and usage. Someone who primarily uses the car for weekend blasts on twisty roads and occasional track sessions will likely see figures well below the official rating. Someone who carefully manages the throttle and short-shifts can probably acheive a little higher MPG, but anyone buying this car with this in mind should probably buy a different vehicle. The GT3 Touring is about connecting with the machine, feeling the road, and relishing the sensations that modern performance cars often filter out.

How it compares

Comparing the GT3 Touring to other vehicles based on MPG is almost absurd, but for the sake of context, consider some alternatives. A contemporary Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe, for example, manages around 20 MPG combined from its twin-turbo V8, although it offers a very different driving experience. The Audi R8 V10 Performance, another naturally aspirated performance icon, delivers about 16 MPG combined. Even within Porsche’s own lineup, the base 911 Carrera manages a much more respectable 21 MPG combined (with the PDK transmission). However, that car simply doesn’t offer the pure, visceral thrill of the GT3 Touring. For owners willing to compromise on engagement for fuel economy, they may also consider all Porsche fuel economy data or perhaps review the 911 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While optimizing fuel economy might not be a top priority for GT3 Touring owners, there are still a few techniques that can help eke out a bit more mileage.

Gentle acceleration is key. Avoid abrupt throttle inputs, especially when starting from a standstill. The 4.0L engine is incredibly responsive, so a light foot can significantly reduce fuel consumption, especially in city driving.

Anticipate traffic flow. Pay attention to what’s happening ahead, and try to maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, as these actions burn extra fuel. Learn the rhythm of the road.

Properly inflate your tires. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiently. Check your tire pressures regularly, and ensure they are inflated to the recommended levels found on the door jamb sticker.

Avoid leaving the engine idling unnecessarily. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to be restarted quickly and efficiently. This applies to track events just as much as daily driving.