Ford Mustang Bullitt coupe draws inspiration from the 1968 Mustang GT driven by Steve McQueen in the hit movie of the same name. The seven-minute chase scene between that Mustang and a Dodge Charger defined the modern movie car chase.
Only 7,700 of the $30,330 Mustang Bullitts will be built for North America. This is Ford's second limited-production Mustang Bullitt coupe -- the first debuted in 2001 with a 265 horsepower V-8 -- and is perfect for 1960s muscle car fans. Based on the 300-horsepower Mustang GT, the 315-horsepower Bullitt's modifications make it stand out, but in an understated way.
I recently saw the chase scene in "Bullitt" after switching to that movie on late-night television while channel surfing. Coincidentally, I'd been testing the Mustang Bullitt that day and was surprised at how the car's custom dual exhaust system delivered a deep-throated sound close to that of the movie car's.
"We wanted to get the exhaust note as close to the original movie car's as possible, so we based it on a digitally mastered DVD," Ford engineer Paul Randle said.
The 151-mph Bullitt's Dark Highland Green paint closely matches that of the movie car, and it's an exclusive Bullitt color. (Black also is available.) Like the movie car, the Bullitt is shorn of exterior badges, scoops and spoilers, including the iconic Mustang "pony" grille badge. The only visible identification is the word "Bullitt" in a gun-sight graphic in the center of the faux gas cap on the trunk lid, flanked by large chromed exhaust tips. Dual Argent Gray painted brake calipers match spokes of the 18-inch Charcoal Satin Finish wheels, staying true to the look of the movie car's wheels.
The interior is pure Mustang Bullitt, featuring Charcoal Black leather and Satin metallic trim, with hand-machined, aluminum swirl dash panel applique. The only identifying marks in the car are the logo and gun-sight graphic in the center of the leather-wrapped wheel and the word "Bullitt" embossed into metal door sill plates. Gears are selected via a five-speed manual transmission (no automatic is available) with the shifter topped with a polished aluminum shift ball designed for the Bullitt. However, climate controls feel cut-rate.
The engine compartment has a Ford Racing operation strut tower brace that adds chassis stiffness for better cornering and holds a unique serial number for each Bullitt. The 4.6-liter V-8 emits 325 pound-feet of torque for neck-snapping acceleration with the special 3.73:1 limited-slip rear axle.
The Bullitt has the first use of an open-element air filter -- inspired by Ford Racing -- in a factory fuel-injected Mustang for more punch. The high-rev V-8 has revised camshaft timing and runs on regular or premium (for improved performance) gasoline, thanks to a new adaptive spark ignition system. Estimated fuel economy is 15 mpg city, 23 highway.
The Bullitt's sport suspension allows aggressive driving while maintaining a firm, generally supple ride on the 50-series Goodrich tires used on Mustangs at the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School in Utah. The anti-lock brakes are beefed up.
Standard items include air conditioning, power driver's seat and the usual power accessories. Safety features include side front air bags and traction control. The few options include an Active Anti-Theft system and 10-speaker audio system.
The Bullitt has a slick shifter that works with a stiff, long-throw clutch. Steering is quick but somewhat heavy. The brake pedal has a firm, linear action.
Long doors complicate entry/exit in tight spots. Front seats are supportive, but the backseat area is best suited to kids and is hard to enter or leave. The trunk is roomy, with a high opening. Split rear seatbacks enlarge the cargo area.
The Mustang Bullitt is a modern version of the old-school muscle car McQueen drove in "Bullitt." Like the movie, it never seems to go out of style.
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