Frankencar 2023 Best Cars to Buy Finalists
The Honda Civic Type R outperformed the competition to win Motor Authority's "Best Car To Buy 2023" honor. The award was unanimous amidst a crowd of various contenders.
Each of the nominated cars had equipment and features we liked.
Finalists ranged from the Ford Bronco Raptor with its incredible off-road capabilities, to the luxurious electric Cadillac Relic, to the wild turbo-5-powered Audi RS 3, to a trio of hot hatches, each with its own strengths.
In an ideal world, the Honda Civic Type R would incorporate features from each of the finalists. Let's call it a fantasy. We call it a Frankencar.
Gather the best parts from each of the Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2023 finalists and together we'll build the Frankencar of 2023.
Powertrains
The 2023 Frankencar's powertrains will combine the best of its internal combustion and electric rivals. It will start with the Lyric's single electric motor because it wants the instantaneous torque of the Cadillac Lyric's electric powertrain, but will boost output to the Blapter's 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. Giving the Audi RS 3 Turbo 5 sound and fury, it maintains Lyriq's EPA ratings of 97 MPGe city, 82 MPGe highway, 89 MPGe combined and 312 miles of range.
We would keep the Civic Type R's smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission with positive engagement and short throw, as it is still #GiveAShift around here. Might make the clutch a bit heavier, however. Yes, we are aware that there is no electric powertrain that sounds like the Turbo 5 and has a manual transmission. We said this was a pipe dream.
Styling
This is entirely subjective, but we'd probably have to give the edge to the brick design in the face of the Blapter. The doors come off. The roof comes off, and the 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain K02 tires, which are seven feet wide. Hard to miss, but the uninitiated might think it's just a Bronco. Our winner, the Civic Type R, is a very functional hatchback with a ride height that allows for great handling. Maybe our Frankencar could look like a blapter, maintain a high ride height when off-roading, and sniff around the pavement for handling. Someone should call Multimatic and have them work on such a stat.
Dynamics
The Civic Type R offers incredible cornering performance, especially considering it is a front-wheel drive vehicle. Stick to the Type R's confidence inspiring stability and shocking ability to speed through edges. Add the RS 3's drift mode for tail-out fun and opt for the Lyric's supple ride.
But there is another character to this Frankencar. This bronco is too tall for the assembly line. It is 13.0 inches off the ground, 8.6 inches wider than a standard bronco. And we want 13.0 inches of suspension travel in the front and 14.0 inches in the rear, a disconnectable sway bar, front and rear lockers, and an 8-mode 4-wheel drive system with a 2-speed transfer case. On-road or off-road, no one could stop Frankencar this year.
Interior
The simplicity and element of surprise of the Lyric's interior cannot be ignored. Mostly made of high-quality materials, it has the most space, but is set low and has some cheap plastic on out-of-sight surfaces; it could be made more luxurious by replacing it with better materials from the RS 3. It also adds Civic Type R high-back bucket front seats and a metal shift knob to take advantage of the durability of the Braptor's exclusive interior. Spacious, sporty, luxurious, and practical all in one cabin.
Value
The Civic Type R is priced at $43,990, so it is no longer a value when it arrives in the United States for the 2017 model year. The Hyundai Kona N is priced at $35,495, just shy of the 2017 Civic Type R's $34,775. Ah, the good old days.
Welcome to our fantasy. Now, someone turn on the switch, turn on the tube, and put a metal patient on the table to bring this Frankencar to life.
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