Few domestic concepts in recent memory have sparked as much interest from both the automotive media and general public as the Chevrolet Volt concept. The promise of 100+ miles per gallon, plug-in capability, chiseled good looks, and a reasonable price tag has piqued the interest of many (yours truly included), and General Motors has publicly committed to building the vehicle.

Few domestic concepts in recent memory have sparked as much interest from both the automotive media and general public as the Chevrolet Volt concept. The promise of 100+ miles per gallon, plug-in capability, chiseled good looks, and a reasonable price tag has piqued the interest of many (yours truly included), and General Motors has publicly committed to building the vehicle.

But the question remains: will the production version be faithful to the promise of the concept, or a watered-down compromise that’s a weak imitation of the last-generation Toyota Prius?

Unfortunately, GM’s track record is less than stellar about packing production versions of its concepts with the hardware and features on the show-circuit versions. But this time, I hope the General over-delivers. In fact, I’m going to suggest something that may seem laughable to many, but a car I’d really like to see.

What I’m talking about is a Chevy Volt SS. Yes, a super-sport hybrid. Chevrolet has benchmarked 8.5 seconds 0-60 for the “base” Volt. Not bad. But I say, make a model that can do it in around six flat. Give it a stouter electric motor, maybe even a four-cylinder gas engine, instead of a three for the battery charger. If total plug-in economy goes down from 150 mpg to 110 or 100, who cares? It’s still triple what most cars can get today. For bells & whistles, add perhaps a potentiometer knob on the dash to allow the driver an infinite range of adjustability between “economy” and “performance” modes. Heck, maybe even incorporate a coded lock-out system to prevent junior from draining the batteries too quick in full-juice mode.

In terms of styling cues, a red or black SS badge, strategically placed or heck, maybe even a green SS badge, to designate its special powertrain. Maybe LED headlights, dual chrome-tipped exhaust tips (which would be silent much of the time), and beefy bolstered buckets with two-tone colors and suede inserts. Price it 10-15% over the “base” Volt, and I’m sure Chevy would have plenty of takers.

So Bob, are you listening?

Edward A. Sanchez