The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 just clobbered the competition to be named Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2019. It's easy to understand why, but that doesn't mean we didn't like the four other finalists. In fact, we'd like to incorporate elements of each to create the perfect Frankencar from parts of our five Best Car To Buy 2019 finalists.
Our group of 2019 finalists was as diverse as it's ever been. It even included the first electric vehicle ever to be considered for our award. How would that powertrain be incorporated into our perfect mechanical monster, if at all? Exactly what parts of the Corvette would we keep? And what aspects from our other finalists would we use to construct a Frankencar for 2019? You'll have to keep reading to find out.
CHECK OUT: Frankencar 2018: best of our Best Car To Buy nominees
Follow along as we piece together at car with the best elements from our Best Car To Buy 2019 finalists.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
2019 Jaguar I-Pace
Powertrain: The powertrain for the 2019 Frankencar combines elements from two of our five finalists. For power delivery, we want the instant torque delivered by the I-Pace's electric motors, a benefit of electric cars. But the I-Pace makes "only" 394 horsepower. After that initial thrust, we'd like the Frankencar to hand over the rest of the propulsion duties to the Corvette ZR1's LT5 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 in all of its 755 hp and 715 pound-feet of torque glory. Mash the accelerator and the ZR1 unleashes all that power without hesitation—whether the speedometer is about to crest 60 mph or 110 mph, the power just keeps building.
We #GiveAShift around these parts, so our Frankencar takes the 7-speed manual transmission from the Corvette ZR1. We like the feel of engagement with the car it provides, the easy-to-modulate clutch, and the smooth, reasonably short throws.
As for sound, the battle cry of the Corvette ZR1's supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 is music to our ears, and anyone else's within a few miles. It gets so loud in second gear at full wail, it can make your head ring inside a helmet. Ear plugs aren't frowned upon.
2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback first drive
2018 Audi RS 5
2019 Jaguar I-Pace
Styling: For overall design, the Audi RS 5 takes the crown, especially in five-door Sportback form. It's like a mini RS 7, which is one heck of a compliment. Its flared fenders, big wheels, and tapered roofline give it presence without an in-your-face attitude, and the hatchback design adds utility. The large RS-specific oval exhaust outlets say the RS 5 means business, too.
Inside the RS 5 has the latest technology, but it's all German business. The digital gauge cluster and tablet-like screen on the dashboard keep the technology in view at all times, and every switch, dial, and button works with satisfying precision.
If there were a way to mash a bit of the Jaguar I-Pace into the mix, we wouldn't object. The all-electric hatchback on stilts looks like nothing else on the road, yet it's instantly recognizable as a Jaguar. It commands attention in a "what's that thing from the future" way. Its interior could contribute, too. The seats are gorgeous with a slender design that doesn't sacrifice comfort.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
2018 BMW M5
2018 BMW M5
Dynamics: The Corvette ZR1 only weighs 3,560 pounds in coupe form (3,618 pounds as a convertible). It's unflappable at the insane speeds it can reach, has tenacious grip from its available Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and it steers with laser-like precision. Its dynamics are close to perfect. However, we'd like to add the BMW's M5 sophisticated all-wheel-drive system to our Frankencar. It can shift power fore and aft, and when you just want to shred tires in massive drifts, it can be shut off to revert to rear-wheel drive. We'd also add in the Audi RS 5's torque-vectoring rear differential for added confidence on twisty back roads.
On the street, the comfort found in the Audi RS 5 just can't be beat in this group. In its In Normal mode, it's a controlled luxury sports coupe that can gobble up highway miles.
2019 BMW M5 Compettiion
Interior: Our Frankencar's cabin would come straight out of the BMW M5. It has extremely comfortable seats, top-notch materials, perfect fit and finish, and space for five. It feels like a short-wheelbase 7-Series. The infotainment system is easy to use and features wireless Apple CarPlay along with Android Auto. This is the best cabin for a road trip.
2018 Ford Mustang GT Peformance Package Level 2
For track days, the Recaro bucket seats and the perfect seating position of the Mustang Performance Package Level 2 can't be topped. (Note: The cloth Recaros feel wider than the leather ones, and we actually prefer the cloth seats for that reason.) The Mustang also affords a clear view of the road and track ahead, which makes it easier to place the Mustang in a corner.
2018 Ford Mustang GT Peformance Package Level 2
Value: The Ford Mustang Performance Package Level 2 is the "budget" pick of this year's lineup. It's the only finalist priced below $50,000. With its 460-hp V-8, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and magnetic shocks, this Mustang is a steal in the performance world. Our Frankencar would cost just about $47,000.
And there it is. Our Frankencar is a gorgeous, understated machine like the RS 5, seats five comfortably for a road trip like the M5, sticks to the track and goes like a missile like the Corvette ZR1, has 755 hp and instant torque, and is so loud it rattles the inside of your head. All that for about $47,000.
Flip the switches, power up the tubes, and get the metal patient on the table to bring her to life.
