Skip to main content

If you’re buying a sports car, then chances are that you’re not thinking about its fuel efficiency. After all, sports cars are meant for driving fun, looking cool, and getting from one place to another quickly. But in case you’re wondering, here are five of the least fuel-efficient sports cars in the current consumer market.

1. 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye

2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye
2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is the top dog in the Challenger lineup. The SRT Hellcat Redeye is equipped with a supercharged pushrod V8 engine that pumps out 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. According to Autolist, that’s more power than the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and the Chevrolet Corvette, which are the Challenger’s main rivals.

The Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye can also go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. All of that power and performance come at a price, though. As such, the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye achieves a maximum of 13 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway according to the EPA.

2. 2022 Audi R8

A side view of the 2022 Audi R8 in silver.
A side view of the 2022 Audi R8 in silver. | Getty Images

The Audi R8 is easily one of the most attractive and most powerful supercars that money can buy. It’s powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine that produces 562 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque and is connected to a 7-speed DCT. That power is routed to all four wheels via the brand’s Quattro system, however, it also translates to poor fuel economy. As such, the Audi R8 only manages to achieve up to an EPA-estimated 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

3. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 in silver
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 | Ford

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is among the most powerful sports cars that you can buy. It’s powered by Ford’s 5.2-liter V8 engine, which generates 760 hp and an Earth-pounding 625 lb-ft of torque. It’s also rear-wheel-drive and comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission. However, the Shelby GT500 could prove to be a pain at the pump as it can only garner up to 12 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.

4. 2022 Chevrolet Corvette

2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray in red on the track
2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray | Chevrolet

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car icon. Its mid-engine layout and aggressive design are on par with many European supercars on the market today – and its engine backs it up. Under the hood is a 6.2-liter V8 engine that’s connected to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. That powertrain puts out an impressive 495 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, but it also doesn’t get the best fuel economy. According to Chevy, you can expect up to 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

5. Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport

The Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2021
The Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2021. | Martyn Lucy/Getty Images

We had to include at least one hypercar in the mix, so here is the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport. It’s obvious that this car is meant for the track with its quad-turbo 8.0-liter W16 engine, all-wheel drivetrain, and 7-speed automatic transmission. It even has a functional rear spoiler to aid with the downforce at high speeds. However, all of those features – including the wing – equate to this car getting around 10 mpg in combined driving. According to Autolist, that means the Chiron Pur Sport could burn through all of its gas before a Prius burned only three gallons.

Least fuel-efficient sports cars

While there are plenty of other supercars and hypercars that can be easily added to this list, we chose the few that are actually available to most Americans. Of course, $60,000 to $100,000 isn’t exactly cheap, but these cars are a little more mainstream. Besides, those that can afford them probably aren’t thinking about the poor fuel economy or even the rising cost of gas.

Related

The Sad Reason Why Sports Cars Are Dying