This Just In: New on the Net

Over the weekend, our buddy Rich Truesdell from Automotive Traveler got nailed by a car while attempting to get a glamor shot of a ‘92 Z-1. Fortunately, while he was punted a solid 15 feet, the veteran scribe escaped with "only" a dislocated shoulder. Get well soon Rich, and think twice next time someone tells you to go play in traffic! Anyway, here’s the news:

• The big surprise that’s surfaced during Volt testing is that its trick new batteries are performing perfectly. While this is obviously good news for the General, if Bob Lutz was staring at you, don’t you think you’d perform perfectly too? Kicking Tires
• A 27-year old Colorado man almost avoided getting popped for doing a 115MPH after the deputy pursuing him decided to abandon the chase. Of course, the lead-foot driver demonstrated why he shouldn’t be going that fast shortly afterward, when he wrecked his VW Beetle on an exit ramp. Associated Press
• There was some good news for the Blue Oval last month, but unfortunately, it came packaged with a hefty dose of bad news. While sales of small cars were up almost 25 percent, overall sales were down 26 percent. Yikes. Freep
• Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on with Ferrari? The rumor now is that the company is going to be offering the a convertible version of its track-tuned 430 Scuderia. What? Why would you want a heavy track toy? You’re going to be wearing a helmet anyway, so the whole wind-in-your-hair thing is out. World Car Fans
• Dario Franchitti is leaving NASCAR and returning to his home turf in the IRL. He’s not the first open-wheel guy to fair poorly in the Southern-fried series, and something tells me he won’t be the last. At least he’s got Ashley Judd to comfort him. NASCAR