I know lots of other people have said this, but awesome article Tyler! Your stuff is always so fantastic and interesting.

So true! I look for tunnels and underpasses and the best part of my morning commute is pulling into the underground garage in sport + and hearing that great burble...

It's no F-Type, BUT I happen to think my new M235i coupe sounds pretty goddamn awesome. Much as I'm a coupe man, I wouldn't mind hearing even more of that overrun crackle and snap or any of the other (real) straight six noise I enjoy when the windows and sunroof are open and I'm refusing to ever shift out of first.

The 911. There's just nothing more classic, refined, and all-around fantastic. Second choice is the F-Type but I'd always wish that I stretched to the Aston V8 GT for $101k.

It's definitely ridiculous (the price). My dad was just shopping that class and he loved the S4 but $60k was just crazy. He bought an S60 R design instead and it was less $$ and damn near as fast as either of the Germans. Another good alternative (like the ATS).

I'm rarely excited by a new car launch, but GODDAMN this thing is gorgeous and seems to have the goods. My dad just bought an S60 R Design and I wish this was out to compete (much as I like that car). Hell — I wish this was out a month ago when I picked up my BMW. Would have DEFINITELY made my shopping list. Low…

That's tough — but the M135i looks great too.

I believe it so much I bought two before jumping ship. Loved them both.

I remember looking at both. The 2 door and 4 door are the same length I think, so it's the same practicality for both.

Those are great cars, don't get me wrong. Also good deals. I do feel like you can get much more refinement and luxury in the GTI package — making it more of a "steal" from a price point standpoint. My GTIs weren't far off the refinement of my M235i to be honest.

That's because they're all brand new and dealers have shortages of the Mk7. I've personally bought a new Mk6 about six months after launch for $23.5k. Give it time and negotiate. If there are lots of dealers competing (i.e. a major metro) then the price will drop quickly.

I'd suggest that the discounts will come — especially considering the slow pace of sales. Also, the threshold for entry luxury is moving too...an Altima or Accord can crest $30k these days.

Hilarious. I've had two GTIs. Maintain them and they work. Mistreat them and they're nightmares.

No one pays MSRP for these — especially in a major metro. There was enough competition that my first Mk6 was out the door at $23,500.

Best "only car" option out there for sure. I miss the practicality now that I have a coupe...

I've bought two: one was out the door for $23,500 and the second for $30,000. Find one with no options and that $23k isn't hard to achieve.

GTI is arguably the most refined and well-balanced car out there for $23k. Lux interior and capable performance for a 4-cyl accord price.

Any news on a turbo variant?

Wow. Cool. Never knew that.

Oh wow. Interesting. Guess it may just be wishful thinking on my part!