Driven

FUEL-FRIENDLY SPORTS CARS

Go fast and still get decent fuel economy, thanks to advancements in automotive technology and design.

While some of the quickest sports cars are also among the most notorious gasguzzlers, you don’t have to pay a penalty at the pump for the pleasure of going fast. Thanks to weight reductions, aerodynamic designs and advanced engine technologies, some of today’s speediest models treat gas like a family sedan. Here are five of the fastest mass-produced models that deliver admirable fuel economy

BMW 335i
Offered as a sedan, coupe or hardtop convertible, the industry’s premier small sporty sedan packs a twin-turbocharged sixcylinder engine that puts a full 300 horses to the pavement. This high-tech powerplant enables the car to hit 60 mph in 5.5 seconds while bypassing gas stations in its wake, with city/highway fuel economy that’s pegged at 23 mpg.
MSRP: $40,800

Porsche 911 Carrera
This legendary German sports coupe can reach 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, yet gets 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving thanks to its powerful-yet-efficient rear-mounted 325-horsepower, 3.6-liter six-cylinder powerplant. What’s more, the higher-performance S version’s 3.8-liter engine can shave the car’s 0-60 time by nearly a half second with no loss in fuel economy.
MSRP: $72,400/$82,600 (S model)

Lexus GS 450h
Otherwise a large-but-nimble sporty luxury sedan, the gas/electricpowered GS 450h uses Lexus’ state-of-the-art Hybrid Synergy Drive system to boost the output of its 3.5-liter V-6 engine to the equivalent of 340 horsepower, while minimizing its fuel consumption. While the GS 450 can sprint to 60 mph in an impressive 5.2 seconds, it nonetheless delivers a combined city/ highway rating of 26 mpg.
MSRP: $54,900

Pontiac Solstice GXP/ Saturn Sky Red Line
The GXP and Red Line are the new top models in the Solstice
and Sky lines of two-seat roadsters. The most noticeable
upgrade for both vehicles is a 260-horsepower turbocharged
four-cylinder engine, making them quicker and more
economical than the base versions. Both the GXP and Red
Line make the 60 mph dash in 5.5 seconds and maintain a
combined city/highway 25 mpg.
MSRP: $27,115/$20,025
—Jim Gorzelany