Not quite direct competition, look at that price, but competition of a sorts: the new DCT M4 puts down some very impressive numbers (see bottom). So, while the S197 GT and Boss had been compared to the previous E92 M3, and compared will in many regards, it looks like the new M3/4 has jumped forward a bit.

Of course, certainly price-wise, it will be the upcoming GT350 that will be a more direct competitor. Kind of interesting that while BMW moved away from an ultra-high-winding V8, it seems like the Stang will be taking that approach with the rumored flat-crank 5.2 Voodoo motor. Wonder if the GT350 would benefit from a DCT option?

From C&D:

PRICE AS TESTED: $86,225 (base price: $65,150)

ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 182 cu in, 2979 cc
Power: 425 hp @ 7300 rpm
Torque: 406 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 110.7 in
Length: 184.5 in
Width: 73.6 in Height: 54.4 in
Curb weight: 3615 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 3.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 8.5 secc
Zero to 130 mph: 14.5 sec
Zero to 160 mph: 25.7 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 4.7 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.2 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 2.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.0 sec @ 119 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 163 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 150 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 1.00 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway: 17/24 mpg
C/D observed: 20 mpg

 

I wonder how the Gt will fair against the M4 on the track... and I CAN NOT wait for the Gt350 to come out. That thing will be absolutely awesome.

 

The new M3's and M4's are nasty cars. Love the way they look.
That DCT is pretty slick too. Shifts faster than any human can in a standard shift car. (A lot of car companies are using that technology nowadays.)

 

Looking at that trap speed especially, I've gotta think the M3/4 is cranking out something closer to 500hp.

 

Quite possibly the nicest looking car on the road today, in my opinion.
Simply a beauty and quick,....without mods. Add some mods and it's really quick.

 

Wow - look at how low that max torque comes in. Esp for a turbo. That's what you call a wide power band.

 

Ugh.... I hate that I love those so much.
My brother used to have a 135i TT... It drove so nice and gave my last GT a good run for its money. It was anyone's race anytime.