Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…

Biden Administration Moves To Allow California To Set Its Own Emission Standards

The NHTSA and Department of Transportation are set to reverse the Trump Administration’s attempts to prevent states from setting independent greenhouse gas emissions regulations. States can now “actively pursue solutions to address the climate crisis and environmental challenges in their communities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

U.S. Investigating Tesla After Reports That Drivers Can Play Video Games On The Move

580,000 Tesla vehicles are being evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over complaints that video games can be played on the front infotainment screen while the vehicle is in motion. Cars under scrutiny include the Model X, S, Y, and 3 which include “Passenger Play,” a function that allows front-seat passengers to play games while the car is in motion. However, the only thing preventing drivers from accessing the gaming functionality is an on-screen prompt, leading to concerns it could be lead to distracted driving.

Lotus Wraps Up Production Of The Elise, Exige and Evora

Three hugely important cars to the Lotus legacy have rolled off the production line for the last time. The Elise, Exige, and Evora have all defined the small sports car manufacturer for decades, but production has now ceased. The assembly lines that once made these cars will be dismantled and replaced by “state-of-the-art facilities” to support the production of the Emira.

Rivian Delivers Its First Two R1S Electric SUVs To Its CEO And CFO

Rivian’s first R1S SUVs haven’t gone to an eagerly awaiting customer, but instead to chief executive R.J. Scaringe and chief financial officer Claire Rauh McDonough. In an announcement about the R1S being delivered to Scaringe and McDonough, Rivian said it is “working towards ramping production over the next few months on our way to full volume production.”

Bentley’s Mulliner To Unveil A New W12-Powered, Continental GT Speed-Based Coupé With A $2.6 Million Price Tag

Bentley’s Mulliner division is reportedly developing its second model. A follow-up to the Bacalar coachbuilding project, the new car is set to be a W12-powered coupe based on the Continental GT Speed. It could well be one of the last W12 cars Bentley makes, with plans to electrify the range by 2026. With only 12 examples of the Bacalar being made, the new car will likely stay just as exclusive.

How Fast Can An 800 HP, Hennessey-Tuned RS6 Avant Go With A Christmas Tree On Its Roof?

With Christmas around the corner, the site of cars with Xmas Trees strapped to the roof is a common one. But if you’re wondering what the terminal velocity of a tree-bearing wagon might be, then you’re not alone: Hennessey Performance has strapped one to the roof of their 800hp RS6 Avant. It managed to reach a top speed of 183 mph (295 km/h), officially making it the vehicle of choice for those with big budgets and limited time to purchase a Christmas tree.

What Else Is Making The News

Amazon, Facebook, And Twitter Skip CES

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is due to take place in Las Vegas in January, but several big names have announced that they will not be attending. The show was held as a virtual event last year, but with feats of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 spreading, the likes of Amazon, Facebook and Twitter will sit the return out.

Ferrari Drops Mission Winnow, Welcomes Back Santander

Having entered as Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow for the 2021 season, Ferrari’s 2022 team entry is without a title sponsor. It comes after the controversial branding, from long-time tobacco sponsor Philip Morris International, only featured on the 2021 cars for the first six races of the season. Meanwhile, the team welcomes back banking partner Santander, reports The Race.