William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 29, 2013 Next week comes a bit of madness. I'm referring to the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show taking place in Las Vegas next week. The show gives automakers a chance to show what crazy things they have cooked up. For Chrysler, SEMA is where their Mopar brand can show off some of their new parts and accessories. Plus some crazy ideas as well. I had the chance to head down to Chrysler's headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan to see some of the twenty vehicles that will be at SEMA next week. Ram Sun Chaser Out of all the vehicles shown at Chrysler's SEMA preview, the Ram Sun Chaser was the most polarizing. Draped in a Vibrance Orange Blast color, with two-tone Brilliant Black paint, the Ram Sun Chaser isn't for the faint of the heart. This concept was built with the surfer in mind and includes such touches such as concept Mopar roof rack, dubbed the “surf rack” and two adjustable support rails to hold varying sizes of surfboards. There is also a shower kit in the Ram Box which consists of a water tank, pump, hose, and shower head to rinse off items. Other modifications to the Sun Chaser include a two-inch lift, beadlock wheels, cut-back exhaust, and leather seats. Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver For Jeep, Mopar focused on making the Cherokee more capable, while keeping a distinctive looks on the road. Hence the Cherokee Trail Carver. Mopar started with the Cherokee Trailhawk and built from there. There is a set of meaty off-road tires, rock rails, and orange tow hooks shows it's ready to tackle anything. The Cherokee's exterior is dipped in a Auburn Pearl paint color. The hood and roof feature a topographic map graphic. The roof also sports a concept roof basket design. Fiat 500L Adventurer Mopar's take on the 500L is something quite unexpected. They took the subcompact crossover and made more rugged. To pull this off, Mopar raised the 500L by about an inch, added body cladding and a black stripe around it, and a set of eighteen-inch wheels. The body is painted in a Bright White with a 500L graphic on the doors. The roof is draped in a orange with a set of roof rails and a basket. Inside, the 500L Adventurer has a set of seats wrapped in black perforated suede and pearl leather. There is some orange trim pieces around the bezels, speaker surrounds, and the steering-wheel badge. 2014 Chrysler 300S Mopar didn't make many modifications to this 2014 300S, but the ones they did make really change the 300S. To start, this 300S is painted in a Phantom Black Tri-coat paint color. Adding some menace is a black “Gotham” grille surround and lowering kit. Finishing off the exterior touches is a SRT rear spoiler and a set of twenty-inch wheels from the 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition finished in a bronze color. Inside, the 300S comes with black and Katzkin “Bisque” leather on the seats, center console, and doors. The seatbacks have the 'Imported from Detroit' logo embroidered. Source: Chrysler William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Chrysler Group LLC Reveals Mopar-Modified Show Vehicles Ahead of 2013 SEMA Show Mopar Flashes Creative Muscle Twenty customized Chrysler Group LLC show vehicles to be exhibited in 15,300 square-foot SEMA Show display Exhibit to highlight hundreds of Mopar performance parts and Jeep® Performance Parts from the Mopar Off-Road Division Ram Sun Chaser show vehicle features makeshift shower kit and “Flip-Up” seatback tailgate bench Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver carries a unique concept roof-rack basket design to store off-road gear Fiat 500L Adventurer takes new five-seater off the beaten path And even more Mopar magic applied to the Chrysler 300 Mopar news and images, as well as link to the livestream broadcast from SEMA, are available at mopar.com/sema October 29, 2013, Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC is preparing to head west with a Mopar-customized contingent of creations along for the ride. At the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nov. 5-8, 20 vehicles customized with existing Mopar parts and accessories, as well as concept products designed to elicit feedback, will take the spotlight in the 15,300 square-foot Mopar display at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Mopar-modified vehicles from Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram, SRT, and FIAT brands will be prominently featured at the premier aftermarket event. “The SEMA season is our favorite time of the year,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “It’s a chance for us to flex our creative muscles and showcase our vast portfolio of proven, quality-tested performance parts and accessories.” Following are select Mopar-modified 2013 Chrysler Group LLC SEMA display vehicles headed for this year’s SEMA show: Ram Sun Chaser When Ram isn’t hard at work, it’s back to the beach with the Ram Sun Chaser show truck. Vibrance Orange Blast, with two-tone Brilliant Black paint, color this Ram 1500 Quad Cab. A unique concept Mopar roof rack, dubbed the “surf rack,” and two adjustable support rails housed within the tracks of the truck’s bed, accommodate a long surfboard. As an added bonus, hooks on the side of the rails can also carry up to four boards. To wash off salt water or seaweed, Ram Sun Chaser’s exclusive RamBox bed-side storage features a concept water tank equipped with a hose and a portable shower head, forming a makeshift shower kit that may be clipped on to the rack for a quick rinse. A bed step enables easy access to gear. Surfers or paddle boarders can take a seat when taking off gear or waxing their board with the concept “Flip-Up” seatback tailgate, which converts into a bench by folding back toward the cab of the truck. New concept 17 x 8-inch beadlock wheels with color-keyed rings, concept flares with exposed fasteners and modified black tubular side-step rails fit the sand dune-ready theme of the vehicle. Orange tow hooks, a satin badge, and a spray-on bedliner are also added by Mopar. Inside, Katzkin leather seats feature stitching accented to match the Vibrance Orange Blast paint, as well as the dash, display bezels and door inserts. Sill guards and all-weather mats also accent the interior. Powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI® engine, the Ram hits the sand with a sport performance hood, a 2-inch performance lift kit and a Mopar cat-back exhaust. Fiat 500L Adventurer The Fiat 500L Adventurer illustrates the versatility of the new five-seater, with modifications that transform the vehicle and equip it with a tough, rugged appearance. The exterior is enhanced with Bright White body paint, two-tone accent wheel flares and rockers painted in Satin Black. Color is added with Vibrance Bright Orange on the roof, which totes Mopar roof rails and a large roof basket. The vehicle sits on 18 x 7.5-inch custom concept wheels embellished with FIAT logo center caps. A custom 500L graphic augments door panels, with the L painted orange to match the roof. Orange mirror caps, tinted taillights, tinted chrome exhaust tips, molded splash guards, and a chrome FIAT logo ring further enhance the exterior styling. The interior is upgraded with black perforated suede Katzkin seats and pearl leather seatbacks. Matching orange accents are featured inside as well, with orange-painted bezels and orange accents surrounding the speaker grills and steering-wheel badge. The two-tone instrument panel is black with a white leather insert. A Mopar seatback coat hanger, all-weather mats, a pedal kit, doorsill guards and a cargo organizer are included from the Mopar catalog. A performance boost is achieved with a Mopar cold-air intake and Mopar cat-back exhaust. Jeep® Cherokee Trail Carver Jeep Cherokee is for trail addicts seeking a vehicle with the capabilities to handle the rugged off-road, while projecting a unique, customized and luxurious look on the streets. Going to the next level of customization, the Mopar-modified Jeep Cherokee uses the Trailhawk 4x4 package powered by a 3.2-liter V-6 engine as a starting point. Its exterior is colored in Auburn Pearl paint, with low-gloss black and Granite Crystal with low-gloss clear touches. Unique Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk hood and roof topographical graphics are bordered in Crush Orange, with matching orange tow hooks. The top of the modified Jeep Cherokee sports a concept roof basket design, with orange accent side panels wrapped in woven metallic fabric. A front wind deflector, which includes the Mopar logo, completes the design. Aggressive tires highlight the off-road flavor of the vehicle, and rock rails protect this Jeep Cherokee from trail obstacles. The inside is enhanced with Katzkin Amaretto leather seats, with colored leather in the center, ensuring a premium feel. Leather wrapping on the center console, storage door and armrest, and matching color stitching on the seats, offer even more appointments. The top and bottom of the steering wheel are leather, and painted trim provides highlights throughout the inside. Other Mopar goodies include bright door-sill guards with the Jeep Cherokee logo, a wireless smartphone charger, and WiFi. The Jeep Cargo Management Receiver System (JCMRS), a unique option that features a running bar along the left interior, to which Mopar items may be mounted, is also utilized. The Mopar roadside emergency kit, Trailhawk bag and first-aid kit are mounted to the JCMRS. In the Jeep Performance Parts department, a Mopar cold-air intake and a cat-back exhaust are put to work to achieve horsepower gains. 2014 Chrysler 300S The iconic and elegant Chrysler 300 is elevated even further to reach the ultimate in style and street cred with a variety of Mopar appointments utilized to create the 2014 Chrysler 300S for the SEMA Show. Phantom Black Tri-coat colors the exterior, maintaining the elegance of the Chrysler 300S, while adding a menacing edge. Fitting its gritty, big-city vibe, the front is reinforced by a 13-bar black “Gotham” grille surround, with a lowering kit, dropping the 2014 Chrysler 300S closer to the streets. The wheels pull from the Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition with 20 x 8-inch wheels finished in a Mopar bronze, accented with Mopar wheel center caps. A black SRT spoiler embellishes the tail and helps drive the rear towards the pavement when in motion, enabling the 300S to corner urban canyons with impressive agility. Luxurious touches rule the interior, with seats and door bolster inserts wrapped in Katzkin “Bisque” leather. Leather seatbacks are embossed with the “Imported From Detroit” logo, and matching Katzkin “Bisque” threads border the seats, door and console armrests. All bright trim is changed to Satin Black, and the Mopar Lite Bronze found on the wheels is also featured in the trim accents.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 29, 2013 Fiat has become the sole owner of VM Motori after paying General Motors 34.1 million Euros ($47.1 million) to buy out its stake in the company. A Chrysler spokesman tells Automotive News that the transaction was completed yesterday. VM Motori currently supplies diesel engines for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500. VM Motori manufactures approximately 90,000 engines per year for automotive, marine, industrial and other uses. The company employs around 1,150 people. Chrysler executives have said they'll be watching how consumers react to the new diesels and make decision on whether to expand diesels to other models. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 29, 2013 Kia has confirmed their showing at next month's L.A. Auto Show. The showing will be the new K900, which will be the brand's flagship. This confirms a report from last month which had the name and other details such as the vehicle coming with the choice of V6 and V8 engines. Kia isn't saying much more that. We'll have more information when the K900 makes it debut at the LA Auto Show next month. Source: Kia William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 KIA TO TAKE VALUE TO NEW LEVELS OF SOPHISTICATION IRVINE, Calif., October 28, 2013 – Kia Motors America will take value to new levels of sophistication next month with the unveiling of a rear wheel drive flagship sedan at the Los Angeles auto show. The all-new K900 is scheduled to go on sale next year and be available with either a V6 or V8 engine.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 28, 2013 Consumer Reports has released this year's Auto Reliability Rankings, and not surprisingly Japan is on top. The top three in the rankings are Lexus, Toyota, and Acura. Following them is Mazda in fifth, Infiniti in sixth, Honda in eighth, and Subaru in tenth. That doesn't mean there weren't any surprises. Audi jumped four places to forth, while Volvo climbed a massive thirteen spots to seventh place. GMC was the only American brand to place in the top ten with spot in ninth. Outside the top ten, America, Europe and Japan saw mixed results. Scion took a big tumble, dropping ten spots to eleventh. Nissan dropped nine spots to twenty-second. Cadillac saw massive fourteen point drop to twenty-fifth. On the positives, Buick climbed up nine places to capture twelfth. Chrysler and Ram also saw a rise in their rankings with two brands placing eighteenth and nineteenth respectively. Ford went up one place to twenty-sixth. “Automakers know how to make a transmission and engine that works well. In-car electronics, the phone connectivity, radio and navigation systems are causing the most problems in new vehicles," said Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports automotive test director. Source: The Detroit News, Los Angeles Times, Consumer Reports William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability Rankings: Japanese Dominance Cracks as Audi, Volvo & GMC Secure Spots in Top 10 In-Car Electronics Prove to be Achilles Heel for Many Models in Survey YONKERS, NY-Japanese brands have historically been known for building some of the most reliable vehicles in the world. But Consumer Reports 2013 Annual Auto Reliability rankings show that some other automakers-from Europe and the U.S.-are also capable of building reliable vehicles. Audi, Volvo, and GMC captured three of the top-10 spots in the survey this year. Survey results were released at a press conference today before the Automotive Press Association in Detroit. Three Japanese brands, Lexus, Toyota, and Acura captured the top three spots in the survey, which was conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. The survey is believed to be the largest of its kind; findings are based on CR subscribers' experiences with 1.1 million vehicles. Consumer Reports uses the survey data to compile reliability histories on vehicles and predict how well new cars that are currently on sale will hold up. For more than a decade, Japanese brands have had a lock on most of the top spots in the survey. It's been rare for a European, Korean, or U.S. carmaker to achieve anything higher than seventh or eighth place. But Audi, which has shown steady improvement in vehicle reliability during recent years, moved up four places this year to finish fourth overall-the top European manufacturer in the survey. Three Audis, the A6 sedan, Q7 SUV and Allroad wagon, have "much better than average" reliability. Volvo jumped 13 places to seventh. GMC emerged as the top domestic brand, finishing ninth-three places higher than last year. Moreover, every model from Audi, GMC, and Volvo, for which CR has data, earned an average or better reliability score. The top predicted-reliability score went to the redesigned 2014 Subaru Forester SUV, which hadn't been on the market for very long when CR conducted the survey. The Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid got the worst score, and the regular C-Max Hybrid wasn't much better. General Motors fared better than other domestic brands. In addition to GMC, Buick climbed nine slots to 12th place over last year. All Buicks except the V6 LaCrosse were average or better. The only dark spots for Chevrolet are the Camaro and Cruze, both of which earned below-average reliability scores. Japanese brands took seven out of the 10 top spots in the survey. Nissan sank to 22nd among the 28 brands in the rankings. As a group, the nine Japanese brands in the survey still produce a remarkable number of reliable cars. Of the almost 100 models, 90 percent were average or better and almost a third ofthem received top marks. Ten of those highest scorers were Toyotas. Of the eight Lexus models in CR's survey, six got top marks. All Lexus and Acura models earned an above average reliability score while all Infiniti, Mazda, and Toyota models earned an average or better reliability score. Two popular models, the redesigned 2013 Honda Accord V6 and the 2013 Nissan Altima, scored too poorly in the survey for Consumer Reports to continue Recommending them. Last year, CR had predicted that both vehicles would have at least average reliability. Mazda slipped from fourth to fifth. The redesigned Mazda6 debuted with above-average reliability. Subaru and Scion, which also typically rank well in reliability, were torpedoed by their twin sports cars, the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S, which scored below average. This dropped Subaru to 10th place, from last year's fifth. Scion, for which CR had only two models with sufficient data, sank from first place to 11th this time. One of the key problem areas in Consumer Reports' survey centers on in-car electronics, including the proliferating suite of audio, navigation, communication, and connected systems in newer cars. Of the 17 problem areas CR asks about, the category including in-car electronics generated more complaints from owners of 2013 models than for any other category. In many cases, the survey revealed touch-screen infotainment systems have been buggy, with frustrating screen freezes, touch-control lag, or a reluctance to recognize a cell-phone, an MP3 device, or a voice command. Hybrids and electric cars continue to do well. The Toyota Prius, Lexus ES 300h, Toyota Prius C, and Honda CR-Z hybrids, as well as the Nissan Leaf electric car, were among the top models. Ford's CMax and Fusion hybrids were the only exceptions. The Tesla Model S electric car performed well enough in the survey to earn a Recommendation from CR for the first time. CR gathered data on more than 600 2012 and 2013 models. Owners of the 2012 model reported very few problems, although 2013 owners reported quite a few more. Problem areas included wind noise, squeaks and rattles, and body hardware (including the sunroof, doors, and locks). Of the 31 Ford models in Consumer Reports' survey, only one, the F-150 pickup with the 3.7- liter V6, was above average. Seven achieved an average score. Ford's challenges don't end with the historically problematic My-Touch systems. Several EcoBoost turbocharged V6 models have poor reliability as well. Almost two-thirds of the 34 Fords and Lincolns in our survey got scores that were much worse than average. Chrysler is still below par overall, but a bright spot is the very nice Chrysler 300 C which scores above average-last year it was the company's most troublesome vehicle. Unfortunately, some of Chrysler's most reliable models, such as the Jeep Compass and Patriot SUVs, didn't score well in Consumer Reports' testing, while the better performing 2014 V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee has fallen well below average reliability. In recent years, Hyundai and Kia were beginning to challenge the Japanese at the top of Consumer Reports' reliability rankings. In 2011, they scored well ahead of Detroit and most European companies. But they slipped a bit in the 2013 survey, with Kia ranking midpack and Hyundai sliding to 21st place. BMW and Mercedes-Benz remained around midpack among all brands. Most models from those German badges are average or better, with each company having a few problem children: the BMW 335i and turbocharged six-cylinder X3, and the diesel-powered Mercedes M-Class. Volkswagen, which turned in a middling performance, was especially hampered by the trouble-prone Beetle, GTI, and Touareg. All three Minis in our survey made a very poor showing.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 28, 2013 California and seven other states have signed a new pact that hopes to increase the number of zero emission vehicles on their roads to 3.3 million by the year 2025. Joining California in this pact are Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Oregon, and Vermont. The seven states have already adopted a rule like California where by 2025, 15 percent of vehicles sold must produce zero emissions. To help get to this goal, the eight states have four steps to spur sales of zero emission vehicles Amend building codes so it becomes easier to build charging stations Buy more zero emission vehicles for Government fleets Further cash incentives and introduce discounted electricity rates for home-chargers Introduced shared standards for charging stations and common signage "From coast to coast, we're charging ahead to get millions of the world's cleanest vehicles on our roads," said California Governor Edmund Brown in a statement. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 28, 2013 The Range Rover is family is growing once again with the introduction of a new long-wheelbase model that will make its debut at the 2013 LA Auto Show in November. Land Rover says they have extended the body in front of the rear wheels to add 5.5 inches of rear-legroom. The back seat can be equipped as a bench or individual rear seats with a center console. The individual rear seats can recline up to 17 degrees. LWB models will also come with powered door blinds and a panoramic sunroof. The Range Rover Long Wheelbase will come in the Supercharged and Autobiography trims, which means a Supercharged V8 with 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. Also being introduced at the 2013 LA Auto Show is the new Autobiography Black trim level. This is billed as Jaguar Land Rover’s ‘Engineered To Order’ (ETO) division first vehicle. The Autobiography Black trim comes with tweaks to the grille, badging, and trim. There is also a set a seven-spoke twenty-one inch wheels. The big changes lie inside. For starters, the individual back seats are fully adjustable and come with lumbar massage and recline. There is a rear center console with electrically deployable tables that are wrapped in black leather and include a cupholder and USB ports. The console also has a chiller to keep drinks cool. Land Rover says that only 100 Range Rover Autobiography Black models will be coming to the U.S. in 2014, with 25 of those coming in a Valloire White pearlescent paint color. Source: Land Rover Press Release is on Page 2 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. LAND ROVER EXTENDS APPEAL AND EXCLUSIVITY OF RANGE ROVER WITH LONG-WHEELBASE AND AUTOBIOGRAPHY BLACK VARIANTS Long-wheelbase Range Rover vehicle offers customers extended rear seat comfort The 2014 Range Rover will be available in standard (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) Rear seat luxury and comfort is enhanced by close to eight inches of extra wheelbase Global debut will be at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show in November Autobiography Black Edition launched as the new pinnacle of the Range Rover line-up Luxurious new amenities offered in an exclusive edition with distinct leather and veneers Ultra luxury rear seat experience includes reclining, extending and massage-equipped seats and custom crafted comfort and work amenities U.S. debut will be at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show in November New offering to meet growing demand for an ultra-luxury edition of the Range Rover Sales of all-new all-aluminum Range Rover up 39 percent YTD, 2013 The all-new Range Rover was the first SUV to ever achieve the highest score in J.D. Power and Associates APEAL survey (MAHWAH, NJ) – October 27, 2013 - Land Rover is extending its family of peerless luxury vehicles with the introduction of long-wheelbase variants of the Range Rover vehicle and the addition of an exclusive new ultra luxury edition– the Range Rover Autobiography Black. These two new Range Rover variants meet strong global demand for enhanced luxury, rear seat ambiance and exclusivity at the pinnacle of the Range Rover line-up. RANGE ROVER LONG-WHEELBASE Debuting at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, long-wheelbase Range Rover models have 5.5-inches more rear seat legroom than standard-wheelbase models and when equipped with the optional executive seating package, an increased seatback recline of 17 degrees. Customer deliveries of long-wheelbase range rover models are expected to commence in late Q1 2014. The additional 5.5-inches (140mm) of rear legroom has been achieved by lengthening the unibody in front of the rear wheels. The signature floating roof and distinctive Range Rover silhouette are retained. Long-wheelbase variants will initially be available on Supercharged and Autobiography trim levels with either a three-across bench seat or individual rear seats with a center console. The individual rear seats can recline to 17 degrees, a full eight degrees more than in the standard-wheelbase. All long-wheelbase vehicles will be equipped with standard powered door blinds and a panoramic sunroof, and carry a distinctive ‘L’ badge insignia displayed on the lower front door trims. RANGE ROVER AUTOBIOGRAPHY BLACK New levels of exclusivity with Range Rover Autobiography Black Land Rover has created a new ultra-luxury flagship, the 2014 Range Rover Autobiography Black, which will make its U.S. debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The new Range Rover Autobiography Black interior has been carefully crafted and tailored to meet customer needs with subtle but distinctive detailing. The interior has been appointed and finished with the highest quality leathers and materials. Available in long-wheelbase only for the U.S. Market, the Range Rover Autobiography Black has been designed and engineered by Jaguar Land Rover’s ‘Engineered To Order’ (ETO) division to build upon the already exceptional Range Rover with extended levels of luxury, comfort and design in an exclusive offering. A limited build of around 100 units is planned for the U.S. market in the 2014 model year. The first 25 will be built in Valloire White pearlescent paint. Subtle but distinctive exterior detailing A number of exterior elements to the Autobiography Black give it a subtly distinctive character. A unique design and finish has been given to the front grille and side vents along with badging in black enamel and chrome. Signature rear lamps, a chrome accent finish to the tailgate and auxiliary vents to the front add to the unique detailing of this vehicle. A new exclusive 7-spoke 21-inch with a high gloss polished finish further differentiates the Autobiography Black. “The Range Rover Autobiography Black is the latest step in our transformational journey that moves luxury to another level. This vehicle is an intensely design focused response to our customers’ desire for more choice and exclusivity,” says Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer. “The highest standards of precision detailing, together with the use of the finest crafted materials, have been achieved inside and out. Autobiography Black represents the pinnacle of desirability in the world of luxury inhabited by our Range Rover customers.” First class travel The Range Rover Autobiography Black incorporates an individualized front and rear seating package with a bespoke seat cover design. Both front and rear seats have seat memory and climate control available. The sumptuous leather seating is complemented with a massage function and bolsters with adjustable 18-way front seat including upper seat articulation. Furthermore, this package offers the ultimate in rear seat luxury with two individual fully adjustable seats and a new center console to offer supreme comfort and functionality. Rear passengers benefit from the addition of lumbar massage and powered recline, 10.2” Rear seat entertainment screens feature navigation journey displays and the right hand side rear passenger seat is equipped with a powered recliner calf rest for further comfort. With a new design made exclusively for the Autobiography Black, the rear center console includes electrically deployable tables covered in black leather with integrated USB charging sockets and cup holders. A chiller compartment provides additional space for glasses and bottles and increased stowage is available towards the rear. The headphone storage trim can be removed to reveal a ski hatch while the entire rear console can be illuminated in harmony with the vehicle’s mood lighting settings. Configurable LED mood lighting allows the owner to set the tone by varying the intensity of the lighting from a range of 10 colors. This feature is concentrated on the door handles and stowage compartments, as well as along the lines of the lavish, veneered surfaces on the center console. The footwell lighting can also be adjusted to ambient light color rather than plain white. Finer details include leather-wrapped rear cargo trim, A, B and C-pillar trim and a perforated leather finish on the door insert. The seat backs, ski hatch, cargo trim and upper D-pillar, are also leather wrapped. Tread plates feature an illuminated ‘Autobiography Black’ script, while a brushed stainless steel tailgate trim completes the detailing. Three exclusive interior color combinations are available with the Range Rover Autobiography Black at launch; Ebony/Lunar, Espresso/Tan and Dark Cherry/Ivory, the latter including a unique dual-tone seat.