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
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
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