September, 2000

The Bullitt Mustang concept car which Ford debuted last year in Los Angeles, was considered by most to be just a promotional vehicle. While the car brought back memories of Steve McQueen tearing through the Marina district of San Francisco, no one expected to really be able to get their hands on an official tribute to the '68 390 equipped GT fastback. Well sources have leaked that a modern-day replica of the green '68 Mustang, minus Steve McQueen, will be offered in the 2001 production year.

The Bullitt is a 2001 Mustang GT, modified to visually and emotionally connect to the tough film-hero's ride-of-choice. Modifications include: unique side scoops, 17-inch Bullitt-style aluminum wheels and a lowered suspension. The C-pillars and quarter panel moulding are modified to create a unique look, rocker panel mouldings enhance the car's ground-hugging appearance and a bold, brushed aluminum fuel filler door is prominently placed on the quarter panel. Bullitt badging and polished rolled tailpipe tips complete the picture for the car.

The heart of Bullitt GT is a 4.6L SOHC V8 - modified to improve airflow - producing at least 270 horsepower and significantly more torque than the Mustang GT engine. Modifications include twin 57 mm bore throttle body; cast aluminum intake manifold, high flow mufflers for increased power and aggressive sound and optimized alternator and pump pulley ratios.

Bullitt's suspension delivers crisp road manners. The vehicle is lowered 1.9 cm (.75 in) to generate firmer, better-balanced ride and improved handling characteristics. The performance-handling package also includes re-valved Tokico struts and shocks; unique stabilizer bars (front and rear) and frame rail connectors. Thirteen-inch Brembo front rotors and performance callipers provide excellent stopping capability.

Inside, Mustang Bullitt comes with performance bucket seats with Dark Charcoal leather trim. The Bullitt also includes a brushed aluminum shifter ball, shifter bezel and door sill plates with Bullitt nomenclature. Aluminum pedal covers accent the interior's performance appearance. The instrument cluster is a modern interpretation of 1960s design offering a unique curved numeric speedometer graphics and a white-lit background.

The Bullitt Mustang will sell as a special �feature� model Mustang in the spring of 2001. Plan to shell out an additional $3,000 on top of the cost of a GT coupe, and don't be foolish enough to ask for one in a color other than green. Ford will introduce the

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car officially at the Mustang Museum�s Bright Light City Cruise at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 29th. Ford dealers should be taking orders by this Christmas.

By the way, if you have never seen the original chase scene, you are missing out big time!What is considered the longest chase scene ever in a movie contains no dialogue, just the roar of the Mustang chasing the Charger in and around San Francisco. The movie is now out on DVD, available through Amazon. F/M