hey Knicksfan, can you post more pictures of the car that aren't as close up?

 

new features in RX330....

power rear liftgate
- Lexus optimized interior comfort and utility in the RX 330 for five passengers. The rear seatbacks feature a versatile 40/20/40 split design, and the seat offers both sliding and reclining adjustments. Lexus projects that most customers will select the available power rear liftgate, which can be controlled from the standard in-key remote entry system. An automatic-retracting tonneau cover adds a measure of security and convenience.

air suspension system
- In "Normal" mode, the system automatically lowers the RX 330 by 0.3 inches at speeds over 62 mph for better handling and ride comfort. A "Low" mode lowers the ride height by 0.6 inches to enhance handling response. "High" mode raises ground clearance by 1.2 inches for driving over rough surfaces at speeds of 30 mph and under. An "Access" mode lowers the RX 330 by 1.2 inches to provide easier entry, exit and loading.

 

So WHY would they put audio controls on the steering wheel and leave the cuise control on that stupid little stick?

 

John,
Until you mentioned it, I actually liked Lexus cruise control on the stick. Yeah, you're right. It would be nice to have both the radio controls AND the cruise control on the steering wheel.

I know the 2004 RX330 is coming with the radio controls on the steering wheel (left side) but in some pics, there are another set of buttons on the steering wheel. I don't think it's cruise control but I don't know what it is. Does anyone have any thoughts???

 

Uhh, is it me or I kinda like the one now better?

 

I'm with you on this one 1SICK. I like the current one better than any other cruise control i've used.

 

I've drove Fords for years. I believe they invented cruise control. Their wheel mounted buttons are the best. I wish Lexus would not dump the CC memory whn you go below a certain speed.

 

Daddy, you're right on the memory dump! Aweful.

Also, the CC cannot be set below 25mph as far as I have been able to discover on either a '99 or '03. This is very annoying.

 

Very nice

 

button located fore of gear shift stick...looks like it's for setting vehicular height.

btw, does anyone know what the other two dials are for? there's a chair icon between the two dials (left and right). my guess is the heated seats' temperature control???

 

Correct on both counts.

I have the height adjustment on my GX and I think its cool but I haven't had any reason to use it (haven't driven over any boulders recently).

I also like the concept of the variable heated seats but my tush is not that sensitive to the subtle differences.

 

noticed the new model has this metal strip above the rear bumper. think it addresses the problem of getting the bumper's paintwork scratched when offloading bulk items. well, at least it can minimise the probabilities of such misfortunes.

also, the exhaust pipe now sports a chrome look. cool!

btw, did not see any of the RX330 in black. wonder how it will look like.

 

Am I correct that the spoiler is black regardless of the color of the vehicle? Do you know if the spoiler is optional? (I happen to like the contrast but was wondering...)

 

I'm pretty sure that it's standard now and I believe it's only black.
btw Knicksfan, check your email.

 

yes, read somewhere that the spoiler now comes standard and in black.

in fact, i noticed the 330 looks good in gold (especially), given the contrast brought about by the black spoiler and the dark windows.