2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt Preview

Introduction

The 1968 motion picture Bullitt featured one of the greatest on-screen car chases of all time. In the movie, the hero, played by noted car guy Steve McQueen, drove a Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang GT coupe with American Racing Torque Thrust wheels. Ford first commemorated the movie chase car in 2001 with a special edition Bullitt model. That car featured upgrades to the V-8 engine, suspension, and brakes, as well as brushed aluminum interior trim, hood and side scoops, bodyside cladding, and Ford's interpretation of Torque Thrust wheels.



Ford is once again offering a Bullitt model for the 2008 model year. It is offered only as a coupe and it comes in Dark Highland Green or Black. With its 390-cid big-block V-8 engine, the 1968 Mustang could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds and post a 15.2-second quarter-mile time. Thanks to numerous engine and suspension upgrades, Ford says the new Bullitt Mustang is capable of a 5.0-second 0-60 mph time and a 13.7-second quarter-mile time at 102.7 mph. Ford is planning to offer a total of 7700 Mustang Bullitts with a starting price of $31,075 including destination and delivery charges.

Model Lineup

The 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt will be offered as a special-edition model. It will be equipped like a Mustang GT Premium with leather upholstery; cruise control; air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; 6-way power adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment; power windows, mirrors and locks; remote keyless entry; split-folding rear seat; limited-slip differential; rear spoiler; fog lights; rear window defroster; and an AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD player, auxiliary audio input jack and 8-speaker Shaker 500 audio system. Features exclusive to the Bullitt will consist of a machined aluminum dash panel appliqu_; satin aluminum interior accents on the shifter ball, sill plates and pedals; sport-tuned suspension; 3.73:1 rear axle ratio; and P235/50ZR18 BF Goodrich g-Force tires on Ford's Torque Thrust-inspired Euroflange aluminum wheels.

Options will include Ford's Ambient Lighting system; a 10-speaker Shaker 1000 audio system; high-intensity discharge headlights; Sirius satellite radio; anti-theft system; and a wheel locking kit.

Hardware

The 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt will have a specially tuned version of the Mustang's 4.6-liter, single overhead cam, three-valve V-8 engine. In the Bullitt, it will make 315 hp at 6000 rpm and 325 lb.-ft. of torque at 4250 rpm versus the standard GT's 300 hp at 5750 rpm and 320 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. The 6500-rpm redline is 250 revolutions higher than that of the 4.6-liter V-8 engine in the GT model. The Bullitt's engine breathes through a Ford Racing-inspired open-element air cleaner mounted in a sealed airbox behind the driver's-side headlight. Ford says this intake takes in cooler air and therefore creates more horsepower. The engine also has an adaptive spark plug system that Ford says can sense the type of fuel being used and adjust the spark to provide maximum torque at any given speed. Ford also says the Bullitt's taller 3.73:1 rear end gear improves low-end torque, helping to drop the 0-60 mph time from 5.3 seconds in the GT to 5.0 seconds in the Bullitt. The lone transmission is a Tremec 5-speed manual.

To approximate the sound of the movie car, Ford has designed a special H-pipe for the dual exhaust system, used larger mufflers, and outfitted the Bullitt with larger 3.5-inch exhaust tips.

Brake and suspension modifications have also been made. The brakes get more aggressive Performance Friction Carbon Metallic pads and dark grey calipers, and the shocks and struts are stiffer. There is also an additional brace between the strut towers. The Bullitt will use the same solid rear axle as other Mustangs, but will be equipped with shorter rear coil springs to drop the ride height by six millimeters. Like GT models, the Bullitt has a limited-slip differential.

Design

On the outside, the Bullitt will emulate the movie car's "undercover" look. The word "Bullitt" will only be found on the faux gas cap on the decklid. Up front, a new black mesh grille lacks the trademark chrome pony logo but boasts a satin aluminum surround that Ford says represents the chrome grille surround on the movie car.

Interior touches will include a machined aluminum instrument panel, a revised gauge cluster with gunsight graphics and unique font, aluminum sill plates, aluminum shifter ball, and aluminum accents on the door handles, pedals and shifter ring.

Safety

Safety features will include dual front air bags; seat-mounted front side-impact air bags; tire-pressure monitor; Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH); anti-lock brakes; and traction control. The Ford Mustang coupe has received 5-star driver and front passenger frontal impact ratings and a 5-star side-impact rating for the driver from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Ratings for the 2008 Ford Mustang Coupe
Ratings and details for all Ford models