Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
-Giulia - looks very intriguing. Might be what i'm looking for. I'll have to check it out.
- wrx - just personal preference, but it's not my style. maybe the next gen.
- used isf - like the idea, just seem hard to find.
- trd camry - put it on the list half joking, but maybe i need to actually look into it. seems like ppl like it a lot
- stinger / g70 - they look good on paper. have all the right specs and seem like the value choice. just hesitant because i've owned a genesis coupe before and the fit, finish and feel definitely was a step down. but i'll keep on the list to check out
-mazda 6 - forgot about this one. i feel like mazda has always made good handling, driver-focused cars. the current 6 just seems dated though. i'm curious to see the next gen 6 which supposedly is going rwd with a straight 6, but i prob can't wait around until then
-Q50 - also forgot about this one. will have to check out
-golf r, focus - prefer not to get a hatchback
-charger hellcat, cts-v - look like awesome cars, just not my style
As for the whole purpose of getting a "sporty" sedan vs just a people mover/minivan, I mean if i had 3 or 4 kids, then yes, minivan or 3-row suv, no question. But with 1 baby? just seems like there so many other options that can work. No i'm not planning on doing donuts with a newborn, but if I'm putting my money down for a car, I want something that I'm going to enjoy driving. I'm sure most people who buy Twins understand that feeling. I'm just looking for that with 4 doors.
Now i just need some time for test drives, without all the bs dealer talk.
my list (just for my own sake)
New:
bmw 3
audi 5/6
benz cla amg
lexus is350 vs is500
trd camry
Alfa Giulia
kia stinger
genesis g70
infiniti q50
Used:
bmw m3
lexus isf
the dream: