The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 beat out the competition when it came to naming Motor Authority Best Car to Buy 2024. Despite a number of strong competitors, the Z06 won in a unanimous vote from our editors.
But the Z06 isn’t perfect and each car had elements we’d like to incorporate into it. Finalists included the Lucid Air Sapphire with its pioneering electric powertrain, the Acura Integra Type S with its smooth 6-speed manual transmission, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse with its pony car pedigree, and the BMW M2 that carries the flashlight for small car fun from the ultimate driving machine brand.
In a perfect world, the Corvette Z06 would embody the characteristics of each of our finalists. Let’s call it our flight of fancy. We call it the Frankencar, and it’s damn fun to dream about.
Join us as we assemble the Frankcar 2024, a vehicle with the best parts from 2024 Motor Authority Best Car to Buy 2024 Finalists.
Lucid Air Sapphire
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
2024 Acura Integra Type S
Drivetrain
The drivetrain for the Frankencar 2024 lives in a fantasy land. It combines the best aspects of our combustion engine competitors and the electric finalist. We love the instant response as well as the 1,234 horsepower and 1,430 lb-ft of torque Lucid Air Sapphires electric powertrain. But give it the battle cry that thunders from the Z06’s four exhaust pipes and the ability to turn more than a handful of full-throttle laps around a race track. Quiet driving is quiet, but the screech of the Z06’s exhaust is still intoxicating. It would also have the Air Sapphire’s combined efficiency of 105 MPGe and EPA-rated range of 427 miles. Last but not least, we give him the short-throw 6-speed manual transmission from the Acura Integra Type S, which flicks from gear to gear. It’s so satisfying. We still do #GiveAShiftRight?
Lucid Air Sapphire
styling
Editorial director Marty Padgett argues that the C8 generation doesn’t look like a Corvette. It kind of looks like an unfinished Ferrari. So let’s make the Frankencar a stylish four-door sedan with the beautiful proportions and low roofline of the Air Sapphire. Despite its sedan body style, the Sapphire has a low front end that scrapes over speed bumps. It’s great for looks and aerodynamics, but not always practical. I would add the ability to raise it to the Acura Integra Type S ride height with the push of a button, as you don’t want to damage the body of such a special, unique vehicle.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Acura Integra Type S
Lucid Air Sapphire
2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse at Charlotte Motor Speedway, July 2023
dynamics
All five finalists are dynamically impressive, even if the Mustang Dark Horse fell flat on its face Final test drives on the racetrack at Atlanta Motorsports Park. We chose the sharp turn-in and mid-corner stability of the Corvette Z06, gave it the massive carbon-ceramic brakes of the Lucid Air, and added the braking feel of the Mustang Dark Horse. For good measure, grab the Air Sapphire’s quick 13:1 steering ratio. Last but not least, throw in something else Acura Type S Predictable and controllable handling at the limit that seems to tell you exactly when the car is losing grip.
Lucid Air Sapphire
Lucid Air Sapphire
Lucid Air Sapphire
Inner
That’s easy. Give us the Lucid Air’s interior layout for daily driving and comfort, but build it with the BMW M2 Drum-tight build quality. Lucid places the main climate controls with switches on the dashboard and there is a real volume control. There is even space for five people. Just don’t give the Frankencar the uncomfortable sports bucket seats of the M2.
2024 Acura Integra Type S
Value
Compared to competitors in various performance aspects, each of these cars is a value proposition in its own right. Given the recent inflation in the market, we can also assume that each of them is overpriced by $5,000 to $100,000. We would price the 2024 Frankencar at $51,995 for the Integra Type S, which would be a real bargain given the amazing combination we have designed. Thank God I make the rules in this make-believe world.
Welcome to our fantasy. Someone please flip the switches, turn on the tubes and get the metal patient on the table to bring this Frankencar to life.
