Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Bullitt Mustang at Skinner Autoplex



Bullitt Mustang

In 2001, Ford offered a special version of its GT with the Bullitt nameplate. It was reminiscent of the 1968 390 fastback model driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 movie Bullitt which became famous for its high speed chase. The car was designed as a good handler so it was lowered 3/4 of an inch, received Tokico shocks, and short length sub-frame connectors. In addition, a new intake design, high-flow mufflers, and special underdrive pulleys helped increase the power to a conservative 265 hp (198 kW), though many owners report numbers closer to the 270-275 range. More telling is the torque curve, which was vastly improved over the base GT models, 90% of its 305 lb·ft (414 N·m) available from 2000 rpm. This broader torque curve makes itself known at the drag strip, as these special edition Mustangs could cover the 1/4 mile in 2-3 tenths of a second quicker and about 2 mph (3 km/h) faster than regular GT. 17-inch American Racing Torq-Thrust style rims, wrapped in 245/45ZR performance rubber by Goodyear, were reminiscent of those on the car driven by McQueen in the movie. The Bullitt featured a large hood scoop reminiscent of the earlier Boss 429 scoop, as well as new side scoops, lower body moldings and C-pillars with unique rear side window shape. Other special features on the Bullitt included aluminum pedals and shifter, gauge facings and seat upholstery patterned after the 1968 model, red brake calipers with the Mustang logo on them, and the removal of the spoiler and fog lamps regularly found on Mustang GTs, all for a cleaner look. Braking was also improved with the addition of dual-piston Brembo brakes with 13-inch (330 mm) rotors, the same brakes utilized by the Mustang Cobra.
The Bullitt Mustang was offered in only three colors: Dark Highland Green (the same shade of green used in the famous movie "Bullitt" staring Steve McQueen), Black, and True Blue. Total production was 5,582 units (3,041 Dark Highland Green, 1,819 Black, and 722 True Blue).
A 2008–2009 Bullitt edition has been released as well. Exterior features include uniquely finished 18" Torq-Thrust style wheels and removal of the decklid spoiler and all badges except for the faux gas cap, which is replaced with a Bullitt-specific unit. Inside, there are Bullitt door sills, gauges, and steering wheel cap, an engine-turned aluminum dash panel, aluminum shift knob and pedals, and GT500-inspired front seats and GT500-inspired steering wheel with black stitching. The first factory Mustang open-element air filter, unique exhaust that mimics the sound of Steve McQueen's GT 390 Fastback and ends in 3.5-inch tips, and new engine programing raise horsepower to 315 (up from 300). A Tremec 5-speed manual and 3.73:1 ratio live rear axle drops 0-60 mph times to 4.9-5.0 seconds compared to the standard GT's 5.2-5.3, and quarter miles come in 13.8 seconds at 102 mph (164 km/h). Suspension is upgraded by a Bullitt-badged front tower brace and retuned suspension components that drop the ride height by 6 millimetres (0.24 in). The Bullitt package is a $3,310 upgrade from the standard GT Premium.

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