I think I'd have a hard time dropping any more than $25k out the door. While Parteklman is completely accurate that a Kia Forte5 SX with tech package stickers around $28k to $29k, dealers in my area are giving about $6k off in incentives, so they're actually pricing out around $21k to $23k. Add to that the fact that you can get an Elantra Sport for $20k or less with incentives (same engine with, from what I've read, a more aggressively tuned suspension), and a VW Golf GTI S can be purchased for $24k, it's going to be hard to attract a whole lot of buyers, imo, with a price point anywhere near $30k.
Don't get me wrong...I love the looks of the GT Sport, and would be willing to pay a little more than I would for the other models I've mentioned in this post. But I don't know if I'd pay $5k more, especially since the performance numbers will be the same or a little less than those other models. I would assume that the GT Sport will not be as fast as the Elantra Sport due to increased weight, and the VW just has too much power in the GTI trim to consider it equal, so the closest you'd probably get, from a performance perspective, is the Kia. I like the rear suspension set up in the GT Sport more than the Kia, but since it's a daily driver, in my case, and will probably see some spirited driving but no real track/autocross duties, I'm not sure how much more I'd pay for the rear suspension. I really hope it comes in at $25k or less, because that will make my purchasing decision a little easier. Just waiting.
On a positive note, my local dealer did contact me to tell me that they are expecting some GTs to arrive in the next 4 to 6 weeks. He believes that they are MY 2018 but is still trying to verify that for me. I'm a bit skeptical since no concrete pricing data has been released nor can you build a 2018 on the Hyundai website, but if I'm wrong, hopefully we can clear up some of these questions in the near future.