Don't know if this applies to North America, but this info appeared in Britain's Autocar website:

Lexus' SC430 roadster, the premium Japanese marque's alternative to Mercedes' SL and Jaguar's XK8, gets its second major update this month. As of September 1, the folding-roofed two-seater benefits from improved cabin technology and all new chassis componentry.

Three years ago, when the SC430 was introduced, Autocar's road test concluded that it was a bold and brilliantly equipped Lexus 'let down by a poor chassis'; last year, the maker attempted to right the car's biggest fault with suspension tweaks. Now, it has added new monotube shock absorbers to the car's coil sprung, double wishbone setup in an attempt to finally rid the car of its jitters.

Inside the cabin, Toyota's luxury arm has also improved upon what was already a comprehensive specification. The maker's DVD Navigator system gets Electronic Traffic Avoidance, which monitors traffic information via the FM tuner, and both Bluetooth compatibility for wireless enabled mobile phones, and a voice recognition function, are added.

http://www.autocarmagazine.co.uk/New...=210755&EL_ID=

 

That all sounds very nice indeed, and I for one will be interested to see how well "voice recognition" works in a convertible with the top down. From my experience, it hardly works all that well in sedans with the windows up.

Also, from what I know, that traffic avoidance deal works from data sent by the Sat radio services, who can tell, somehow, where their cars are and how fast they are moving. From this, they can determine slow-downs and back-ups, and beam that location to the NAV system. I don't think FM radio has anything to do with it. If it is the sat radio system I have been reading about, then you would have to be a subscriber for about 10-15/month, and I don't drive the car enough to justify that.

Still, getting a red dot on the NAV system to show a slow-down up ahead would be pretty cool, and lots better than using a CB radio.

 

Sorry if i'm getting off topic, but in my area, the lexus dealers not only offer the clear-bra on all their lexus vehicles but they highly recommend it.

I wasn't even aware it was an aftermarket item. I thought it was normal for most lexus automobiles to have it.

I think it's because in the area I live in, it is highly industrial and we get large trucks and such who carry dirt and rock particles. To be honest, my front bumper is severly mangled! And my windshield is holding up but small chips can definetly be seen. (not cracks though, thank goodness!)

Anyways I guess us canucks do things diff. than you guys down there.

 

The only part that would upset me a little is the 'chassis' one; should have been done in '03. And I just 'missed' it by one year. I bet they didn't say anything in the US as of not to admit there's anything wrong with the current car. Plus their need to get rid of current inventory. Oh well.
Thanks for the heads up buddy.
Folks contemplating buying one now should definitely take notice; too late for us '04 owners.

 

Elp, speaking of inventory, the Lexus by me has 7 '04s still on the lot.

 

Herragge, most dealers offer clear bra and tinting jobs; extra profits. Some even wheels and aftermarket accessories. But not Lexus (the manufacturer).

Ponytail, these cars are getting hard to sell, huh? I also think most potential buyers expect some improvements in '05, and are hesitant to buy now; '04 prices will have to drop accordingly. I bought my '04 a year ago for $5,400 below MSRP ($59K). I bet prices will get pretty close to invoice ($8K under MSRP) on leftovers. Certainly not good for resale. We'll see.

Take care.