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

Ford To Report An $8.2 Billion Gain From Rivian Investment In Q4

Ford’s Rivian investment looks like it’s paying off, as the automaker revealed that it expected to report an $8.2 billion gain from its support of the EV startup. Ford has invested more than $800 million in Rivian and held a 12 percent stake in the electric vehicle startup when it went public in November 2021.

BMW’s Limited M760i Final V12 Edition Waves Goodbye To The V12 Engine

It’s a sad day as BMW bids goodbye to the V12 engine. But keen to send the iconic configuration out in style, BMW celebrates its 35-year relationship with the engine layout by building a limited-run V12 7-Series for U.S. customers. The M760i Final V12 Edition will be limited to just 12 examples and will use a 601 hp (609 PS/448 kW) engine for a 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) time of just 3.6 seconds.

Toyota Teaser With Cheeky Hidden Text Likely Previews The 2023 Sequoia

A mysterious teaser for a new SUV has popped up from Toyota, which we’re betting on being the new-generation Sequoia. Toyota, knowing that many of us would try to brighten up the teaser image, cheekily inserted some hidden text on the lower-left corner that reads: “All-New Debut: The forest, and its trees, almost in view.” As the Sequoia is a type of tree, it virtually confirms the new model’s identity.

Rimac Group’s Technology Division Is Officially An Independent Company

Rimac Technology is now an independent company, sitting under the Rimac Group, which also owns 55 percent of the Bugatti Rimac JV. Rimac Technology will be responsible for developing new tech for other manufacturers, as well as Rimac, with clients already including Porsche, Hyundai, Kia, Automobili Pininfarina, Koenigsegg, Aston Martin, and many more. It means that projects that Rimac undertakes for other manufacturers can remain strictly confidential, free from the oversight of investors in the Rimac business, such as Porsche and Hyundai-Kia.

VW Lamando L Debuts In China As An MQB Evo-Based Liftback

Just yesterday, we saw China’s Ford Mondeo as the four-door sedan body style continues to find favor with Chinese buyers. Now, it’s VW’s turn, with the MQB Evo-based Lamando L. It sits between the Jetta and the Passat, with a 1.4 TFSI four-cylinder engine producing 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque, handled by a 7-speed DCT and sent to the front wheels.

Upcoming Aston Martin DBX Model Teased As “The World’s Most Powerful Luxury SUV”

Aston Martin has teased a new version of their SUV, the DBX, which is set to become “The world’s most powerful luxury SUV.” The above clip doesn’t reveal much, bar glimpses of the rims, the bodywork, and the interior. It could be a teaser for the rumored DBX S, which has been caught testing on the Nurburgring with a redesigned bodykit and quad tailpipes. Engine choices could be between a more powerful AMG V8 or a 5.2 liter V12 that is used in the DBS Superleggera.

What Else Is Making The News 

Microsoft To Buy Activision For $69 Billion 

Microsoft is buying videogame maker Activision Blizzard in what will be the largest gaming industry deal in history. It’s part of Microsoft’s bet on a Metaverse-based future, as it puts down $68.7 billion to help secure its place in the online world.

Massive Asteroid Flies By Earth 

Thankfully not re-enacting the events of “Don’t Look Up,” a giant asteroid that was first spotted in 1994 has safely passed earth. According to Space.com, Asteroid 7482 (1994 PC1), which is classified as a near-Earth asteroid, only got within five lunar distances of our planet, the equivalent of 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometers).