I have this car on order: (perfomance related portion of order only)
MCS
ZSP Sport Pkg
ZPP Premium Pkg

It will be my car for 50 miles mixed road commuting and weekend fun. I used to rally with my Bugeye and will have opportunities to do it again with my MINI (asphalt only). I know the sunroof is a BAD performance option (but the wife and kids want it), but how about chiming in on these questions:

**I am considering the sports suspension. Can anyone comment on the harshness or need for it?
**Do I want to ditch the Sport Pkg and order the DSC/xenons while sticking with the 16" tires? Looks are not a factor, they both look good.
**Anything else I need to order to be competetive while remaining stock (or things to get rid of... except the heavy sunroof ?)

On another note:
When do the start producing the '08? Would it be worth the wait for the 2nd year of the "new model"?

I can't wait for my car and to join this enthusiastic (and knowlegable) group!

 

Keep sport.

Dump the rest.

 

Can't really offer too much assistance in the performance department, but my MA said they won't start taking orders for '08s until September or October. I didn't want to wait that long, so I opted to order an '07.

He also claims that absolutely nothing will change for the '08s, but I find that hard to believe. I think he just wanted me to order right then instead of waiting! LOL!

 

I'm also waiting on the 2008 just to see if we get the JCW option over here. I'd rather have the performance parts included already in my monthly payments and a warranty to cover it. I'd prob stick with the 16" tires if I were you if you were going to rally and use it as a daily driver. (What kind by the way? Rallycross, staged rally, etc?) You want more sidewall unlike autocrossers and track people to prevent too jarring a ride. Heck, maybe even carry some 15" wheels for rallying as I hear there are more options in the 15" size for rally tires. I'd prob stick with stock suspension as well. Sport suspension might be too stiff for when you get on the dirt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoFUfqNpkhA
Clip of classic Mini who I used to see at the rallycross events I went.

 

The 17's really dont firm up the ride tooooo much. I wouldnt worry about it. Have you driven a cooper S with and without the 17's? If you are going to rally the car I would definitely reccomend LSD and the sport suspension.