If you’re a petrol-head, you undoubtedly know of the iconic chase scene between Steve McQueen in his dark green ’68 Mustang fastback and a ’68 Dodge Charger tearing through San Francisco in the movie Bullitt. That scene catapulted McQueen’s Mustang into fame, and Ford has revived the special Bullitt edition Mustang just in time for the movie’s 50th anniversary.
Performance
This newest iteration of the Bullitt is the most special one yet. Based on the 2019 Mustang GT Premium with the Performance Package, the new Bullitt includes upgrades like six-piston Brembo front brakes, a Torsen limited-slip differential, beefier rear sway bar, and a more efficient cooling system.
The increased cooling capacity is needed to match the tuned 5.0-liter Coyote V8’s increased power output, courtesy of a free flowing intake manifold taken from the Shelby GT350, larger 87-millimeter throttle bodies, and a tuned powertrain control module. These tweaks come together to give the Bullitt 475 horsepower – 15 up from the basic GT. That increase in power is coupled with a mandatory six-speed manual transmission, and is good for a top speed of 163 mph.
Cosmetics
In order to stay true to the original movie car, the 2019 Bullitt is free of most exterior badging with the exception of a single trunk-mounted badge that marks the car’s special connection to the film. There are hints of chrome accenting around the badgeless grille and window line, and the 19-inch wheels complement the red Brembo brake calipers nicely. The Bullitt will be available in Highland Green like the original car, or Shadow Black.
Things are equally as subtle on the inside as well. Green contrast stitching is present throughout the black leather interior, and a white cue-ball shifter is a nod to the original car. Recaro seats are available as an option, as is an electronics package that offers navigation, memory-seating, and blind-spot monitoring.
Pricing has not yet been released, but we expect it to cost slightly more than the $43,990 price tag on the standard Mustang GT Premium with Performance Package. The Bullitt edition is set to go on sale in the middle of 2018.