Swap the keys of four luxury and performance cars among seven editors for a few days, and opinions get formed. Each guy learns the things he likes about each car and the things he doesn't. We start picking nits and picking favorites. The result of this back and forth was naming the Honda Civic Type R the Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2018, but we were left with plenty we liked about the other contenders.

So, we got to thinking. What if we combined the best elements of our four finalists—the Type R, the Lexus LC, the Porsche Panamera, and the Kia Stinger—into one car? How would we construct this "Frankencar"? We figured it was a flight of fancy worth exploring.

Follow along as I build the best car I can out of the elements from our Best Car To Buy finalists.

Best Car To Buy 2018 Frankencar details

Best Car To Buy 2018 Frankencar details

Best Car To Buy 2018 Frankencar details

Best Car To Buy 2018 Frankencar details

Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2018

Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2018

Powertrain: The powertrain for our Frankencar combines elements from three of our finalists. For power delivery, we'll opt for the Porsche Panamera 4S's twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6. It puts out 440 horsepower at 5,650 rpm and 405 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 to 5,500 rpm, and rockets this 4,213-pound car from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds. It doesn't have quite as much power as the 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque in the Lexus LC 500, but the Porsche just pulls harder, especially at higher speeds. It works quite well with the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, which delivers quick, decisive shifts, but we #GiveAShift around here and you can't do better than a well-tuned Honda manual gearbox. Thankfully, the Honda Civic Type R has one. It provides short throws, with positive engagement and a clutch feel that most of us felt to be natural and not too heavy.

As for sound, if a naturally aspirated V-8 is music to our ears, the LC 500's 5.0-liter V-8 is Beethoven. Well, maybe it's more like Beethoven as played by Mannheim Steamroller, or better yet Metallica, because this beast is loud, and it pops and crackles on overrun and between shifts. The Porsche twin-turbo V-6 run through the Honda manual singing the Lexus' song? As Matthew McConaughey said it best.

"All right, all right, all right."

Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2018

Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2018

Best Car To Buy 2018 Frankencar details

Best Car To Buy 2018 Frankencar details

Best Car To Buy 2018 Frankencar details

Best Car To Buy 2018 Frankencar details

Styling: If we have to go with an overall design, the Lexus LC takes the crown. It's a seductive car that looks even more expensive than its roughly $100,000 price tag and should hold up well over time. Lexus was studying the contrasts of nature and technology in the design. Nature can be seen in the way the fenders flow out from a jet fighter-like canopy, while technology is evident in the sharper creases, the metallic trim, the pushpin taillights, and the triple LED headlights. The LC's rear pillars are especially sleek. Steeply raked and blacked out to give them floating look, they are highlighted by metal trim shaped like Japanese swords.

Inside, the nature and technology contrast is more striking, with flowing, wave-like lines offset by modern infotainment features.

The Kia Stinger GT could contribute to the styling as well. Its ducts and scoops all serve a function, and its fastback design is functional and appealing, giving it some utility that the sport sedans it competes against lack.

Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2018

Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2018

Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2018

Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2018

Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2018

Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2018

Dynamics: Each of our finalists has its strengths, so I'll pick and choose from each. Let's start with the Civic Type R's 3,117-pound curb weight, as well as its Continental SportContact 6 245/30R20 tires. They are the two main reasons this car feels so planted at speed. We'll also stick with the Civic for its tidy 106.3-inch wheelbase and the overall sense of engagement you get behind the wheel. But, when it comes to track driving, a rear-based platform is best, and if it can have all-wheel drive, so much the better. Enter the Porsche Panamera 4S. This car tops our list for braking, steering, and overall effortless performance. Its rear-axle steering helps a big car rotate through corners. Imagine that on a short wheelbase car. It could be incredibly quick—or it might just be too tail-happy. 

Speaking of tail-happy, we like the way the way the Kia Stinger GT is willing to hang out its tail and drift through a corner. That's partially a function of the tires, which are too slick, as well as the willing power from the twin-turbo V-6. We also like the Stinger GT's compliant ride on the street. It's a close match for the Panamera when it comes to comfortable cruising.

2018 Lexus LC500h

2018 Lexus LC500h

2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

Interior: Our Frankencar's cabin would be a combination of the Panamera's space and materials, the LC 500's aesthetically pleasing and fantastic seats, and the Stinger's infotainment system. The Panamera's hatchback design makes it the next best thing to a crossover, and even though the rear seat isn't quite as roomy as it was in the last generation, it is still very spacious. With the rear seats down, the hatch area accepts 46 cubic feet of cargo. The Stinger comes close at 40.9 cubic feet.

Value: The 2018 Honda Civic Type R costs only $34,995, which is close to the average transaction price of a new car today. Given the roughly $130,000 price tag on our Panamera 4S, the $105,614 sticker on the LC 500 and the estimated $49,000 price of the Stinger GT, we'll pay $35,000 for our Frankencar, thank you very much. A strong argument can also be made for the value of the Stinger GT, as it comes loaded with equipment to go with its 365 horsepower, good looks, and European-inspired handling.

So there you have it. Our Frankencar is drop-dead gorgeous like the Lexus LC, seats five in comfort like the Porsche Panamera, sticks to the track like the Civic Type R, goes from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, and sounds like a chorus of demons rocking out with an electric angel orchestra. All for $35,000.

Put the patient on the table, run electricity through him, and let's hope we can bring him to life.