1996 Lexus Gs 300, Black, No Transmission on 2040-cars

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Car owners getting more irritated with their repair experiences, study says

The J.D. Power U.S. Customer Service Index Study (CSI) is a barometer of a vehicle owner's happiness with the service experience. While it wasn't all bad in the 2023 study, the overall owner satisfaction score dropped. This year's tally of 846 out of 1,000 is two points down from 2022, the 43-year-old study's first decline in more than 28 years, and one point down from 2021. However, the overall score remains well up from the pre-pandemic scores of 821 in 2018 and 837 in 2020. The study claims the stumbling block is the horde of BEV launches. The flood into the new energy space has created a recall rate among EVs that's more than double the rate for ICE vehicles. Furthermore, dealership service department knowledge of EVs isn't on par with internal combustion engine expertise, leaving EV owners less satisfied with service advisors compared to ICE owners. Chris Sutton, VP of automotive retail at J.D. Power, said, "As training programs for service advisors and technicians evolve, EV service quality and customer experience must address both the vehicle and the unique customer needs. The EV segment has the potential to spur massive convenience improvements in how customers service their vehicles — but weÂ’re not seeing the benefits yet." Matters are slightly worse for all owners, though, with labor and parts shortages contributing to longer wait times for service appointments. The CSI study surveys owners and lessees of one- to three-year-old vehicles to gauge their happiness with service at franchised dealer or aftermarket service facilities for maintenance or repair work. The criteria in order of importance are service quality (32%); service advisor (19%); vehicle pick-up (19%); service facility (15%); and service initiation (15%). Lexus retains the top spot for luxury brands, giving it three wins in four years. The Japanese automaker won in 2020 as well, its run interrupted by Porsche in 2021. Cadillac, Infiniti and Acura complete the luxury top 5.  For mass-market cars, Mitsubishi wins again after a victory in 2021 and falling to fourth last year. It's followed by Mazda, Buick, Subaru and Mini.  Considering the different service needs and service experience of different body styles, the study has broken results out by segment for the first time. Lexus earned a second victory thanks to winning the premium SUV segment, and Mitsubishi earned a second victory by winning the mass-market SUV/minivan category.

Lexus RC F resurfaces with Carbon Package

Take one look at the new Lexus RC F and it'll be fairly obvious that Toyota's luxury division went to considerable lengths to make the new muscle coupe look the part. Still, there will always be those looking for that extra measure of visual aggression. And for them, Lexus is reportedly offering this carbon-fiber package.
The kit apparently includes a new hood (complete with central air vent), roof and active rear spoiler, all made of carbon fiber. The parts in question are particularly evident when installed on the white example of the RC F pictured here, giving it an even racier look than the stock model.
We've yet to receive official details from Lexus on the availability of the Carbon Package, so we don't know how much it will cost - or for that matter, if the components have been recrafted from actual carbon fiber or whether the woven bits simply overlay the existing panels as is often the case with aftermarket parts. But while we wait for official word, you can check out the images that have been circulating the internet in the gallery above.

Lexus RC F and SI swimsuit model Lisalla Montenegro compare flowing lines

Lexus has been desperate to break out of its decidedly boring image for years. There is no doubt that it has made quality cars, but many of them have lacked for excitement. But with the new RC in 2014, especially the M4-fighting RC F version, it might finally turn some heads.
If the car doesn't turn heads, Lexus can at least be sure that Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Lisalla Montenegro will, in its latest video. Of course, phrases like, "Hair by over 383 pound-feet of torque," and, "Goosebumps by an aggressively tuned exhaust note," don't really mean anything, but most of the people watching the video aren't going to be reading the copy, anyway. Instead, they will either be focused on the attractive woman or the cool car. Maybe both. Scroll down to check out the video.