Though Steve McQueen's performance in the film Bullitt was certainly memorable, for many the real star was the 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 used to great effect in the epic car chase through the streets of San Francisco. This year marks the 50th anniversary for the iconic film and to mark the occasion Ford has just unveiled the new Mustang Bullitt. Finished in the same paintjob as the 1968 pony, this new model features a retuned V8 engine and period touches like chrome accents and a cue ball shift knob.
The 5.0-liter V8 in the new MustangBullitt puts out 475-hp (355 kW) and 420 lb-ft (570 Nm) of torque, improving on thestandard car's 460-hp (344 kW) and 420 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to anactive valve performance exhaust system, Open Air Induction System, ShelbyGT350 intake manifold and a retuned ECU, the Mustang Bullitt will top out at163 mph (262 km/h) – an 8 mph increase over the standard GT.
The Mustang Bullitt's exterior is whereit really stands out. Two paint choices are on offer, Shadow Black and DarkHighland Green, the latter being the color of the movie star-car. As a further nod to theoriginal, the Mustang Bullitt has subtle chrome accents around the frontwindows and grille, 19-inch torque thrust aluminum wheels housing Brembo brakes,minimal badging, a cue ball shift knob and a black leather interior with greenaccent stitching.
Modern niceties haven't been forgottenthough and the Bullitt's cockpit features a 12-inch digital LCD cluster with aunique Bullitt welcome sequence, a Ford Sync touchscreen infotainment system anda heated leather steering wheel with the stamped Bullitt logo.
As with any Mustang, factory-installedoptions are available including the Bullitt Electronics Package that featuresthings like navigation, an upgraded sound system, memory seats and mirrors and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. Performance options includeFord's MagneRide semi-active suspension and Recaro bucket-seats.
The new Mustang Bullitt was launched atthe 2018 Detroit Auto Show alongside the 1968 vehicle. It is due to beavailable later this year with a price tag between US$45,000 to $55,000.
Checkout the video below where the Mustang Bullitt is being driven by MollyMcQueen – granddaughter of the iconic film star – in a rather dramatic car-parkbattle against a Dodge Charger.
Source: Ford
When is Ford going to make an "Eleanor" tribute Mustang, painted the same color as the movie car? (We shall not speak of the 2000 remake.)