With the line-topping ZR1 model officially priced at over $100,000, the time seems right to revisit the idea of a decontented, performance-oriented “budget” model in the spirit of the ’99-’00 fixed-roof coupe. What might such a car look like? Herewith, a wish list for our ideal ’09 FRC.

- As its name suggests, the car would use a fixed, non-removable roof to increase structural rigidity.

- Since low weight and high performance are the goals here, the six-speed manual would be the only available transmission. And while we’re dreaming, why not offer a range of gear ratios for the rear diff?

- While an LS7 engine would be ideal, that race-bred, titanium-intensive mill would almost certainly nudge the car out of our desired price range. The eminently capable LS3 will have to do, perhaps with a tuning tweaks few to bump output to the magic 450hp level.

- Options would be limited to items that abet speed and limit avoirdupois. Lightweight, cloth-covered seats with manual adjustments would be mandatory, as would the Z51 Performance Package. Sorry, no OnStar, premium sound, power telescoping steering, luggage shade, or dual-zone A/C here (though a basic HVAC system could be offered as an option).

- To set it apart, the car would get a model-specific wheel design (in Competition Gray, naturally) and a limited palette of available colors.

- Pricing would need to come in somewhere below the $45,995 MSRP of the base coupe, with production limited to, say, 10,000 units per year to ensure an element of exclusivity.

Sounds like a winner to us. What do you think?