I'm having a bit of trouble trying to choose between the Velvet Red or getting the Chili Red w/SS+. I'm getting the 16" runflats already if that makes a diffrence. HELP!! All opinions taken into consideration, I have until tomorrow to change my mind and I'm driving myself loopy Will the SS+ help me from flipping the car? Trust me on that one, my main car is a small wide low to the ground convertible and I am really used to that and I need need a car that is stable, really stable on curvey roads and crowded interstates at about 70mph. The Bulldog stance, Go-Kart feel was a selling point with me. Would SS+ help?

 

Well of course, the Velvet red is a more unique colour, and a nicer red, IMO, than the chili red. And the standard suspention is not gelatinous by any means. Of COURSE the sport suspention + is going to be substantially firmer. if *I* were you, I'd drive your current car on a test loop, then drive the velvet red on the same loop. If it feels wallowy, go for the SS+. if not, you can always upgrade the suspention later. There are many kits out there already. But the colour of the car is a bit more of a PITA to alter.

 

I have the SS+ on a Cooper. I ordered it because the car was going to be used for autocross and driver's ed events. It has the 16 in. Dunlop run flats, although those will be changed eventually. The handling with this setup is excellent and the ride is firm but not unpleasant on good roads. We have 2700 miles on our Cooper and when the road surface is rough you really feel it. The truck lanes on a beat up freeway are unpleasant at speed to be in. You could of course upgrade a standard suspension with aftermarket parts but it would cost a lot more. If you are concerned about the handling and stability I'd get it. If you have bad roads in your area and/or you don't want to sacrifice any ride confort, I'd skip it.

 

Comfort is never an issue, I LIKE to feel the road when I drive, reminds me that I'm driving.

 

Thanks for you post. I test drove a Cooper S because the SS+ comes with the car. I was concerned as the Cooper is a lighter car. I didn't drive the S to test the super charged motor, or the Six Speed. Not really. Well not tooooo much. Didn't want to have fun but did anyway.

Holding for A Chili/black with premium, Sport , SS+ & CHROME.
EST Prod. 2002/09/36

 

>>>>
>>Holding for A Chili/black with premium, Sport , SS+ & CHROME.
>>EST Prod. 2002/09/36
>>

DaC,
When did you place your order? Just wondering. I did on 7/25/02 and have an Est.D/P for 9/6/02.

 

I originally did back to back test drives of a non-sports Cooper, and a Cooper S. I found the S to be much harsher on bumps, but much better on corners.
Since I bought my Cooper which has all three packages, I find that the sports package makes the ride identical to the S - I think that it the tight cornering and harsh ride are almost totally due to the tyres and are hardly affected by the rear suspension option which mine does not have.
I have tested an S again after driving my sports Cooper, and I could not tell the difference on handling/ride, even with the 17" wheels instead of my 16s ... if you want great cornering, get the stiff run-flat tyres!

 

>>>Holding for A Chili/black with premium, Sport , SS+ & CHROME.
>>>>EST Prod. 2002/09/36
>>>>
>>DaC,
>>When did you place your order? Just wondering. I did on 7/25/02 and have an Est.D/P for 9/6/02.
>>
I got on the waiting list back in early June at Sterling Mini. I am at work and do not have the paperwork here. I was notified that the order was placed on Saturday 7/27/2002. I was at the dealer to look at different colors and options. John recognized me and told me that they were about to send me a letter with my production number. I was very impressed that they remembered me. It is a busy place and I have seen a number of people there.

Maybe I drooled to much on the windows of the display car, or went on one test drive to many?