Mustang Bullitt coming in October
Following confirmation in March of its Australian arrival, Ford has now confirmed the pricing and arrival date for the limited-edition Mustang Bullitt. The upcoming Bullitt takes its name and much of its styling inspiration from the Mustang 390 GT driven by Steve McQueen’s Lt. Frank Bullitt character in the 1968 movie of the same name; a movie that’s famous for its epic car chase between McQueen’s Highland Green Mustang and a black Dodge Charger.
“Bullitt is the car-chase of car chases, and we know that Australians are passionate about Mustang, so we’re pleased to have secured our own batch of this unique model,” said Graeme Whickman, Ford Australia President and CEO. “Australians are looking for Mustangs that really stand out, and Mustang Bullitt really makes a statement.” (NOTE: less than a fortnight after making this announcement, Whickman has resigned from his position with Ford Australia. See separate News item for Whickman’s replacement.)
Power Plus. Based on a GT-spec V8 manual coupe, the Bullitt will be the most powerful factory Mustang offered since official RHD deliveries began in late 2015. In the Bullitt, the Coyote 5.0-litre V8 produces 345kW and 556Nm, thanks to an Open Air induction system and intake manifold, 87mm throttle bodies, Ford Racing air-filter and a Powertrain Control Module shared with the Shelby Mustang GT350. Unique Bullitt badging also features in the engine bay.
The transmission is upgraded, with the standard six-speed manual (an auto will not be offered) adding a rev-matching system for smoother downshifts. Also standard is an Active Valve Exhaust that’s four-mode adjustable for variances in engine note. Individual Drive and Steering modes are offered, too.
Adjustable ‘MagneRide’ suspension - an option on MY18 Mustang GTs sold here from July - is standard on the Bullitt, with other updated or normally optional tech including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Driver Assist Technology includes auto-levelling headlamps, automatic high-beam headlights and an 8.0-inch full-colour reversing camera. SYNC 3 smartphone compatibility features, along with the new 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster that will be applied to other MY18 Mustangs. On the Bullitt, this display features visual changes between the drive modes; a feature said to be inspired by the latest Ford GT.
Unique Style. As previously reported, the Bullitt is defined by a number of bespoke styling features inspired by the original Bullitt movie car. Starting with Dark Highland Green paintwork that’s only available on the Bullitt for now (the Shadow Black offered in North America will not be available here), the limited edition also features gloss-black 19-inch Torq Thrust-style alloys, bright-red Brembo brake calipers, a ‘Bullitt’ fuel cap, Bullitt-branded door sill plates and a white ‘cue ball’ gearshift knob. Green contrast stitching features on the seats, dash, shift boot and door trims, with the standard GT-spec front seats heated and cooled. Recaro sports seats are optional.
Limited to 700. Australian arrival of the Mustang Bullitt this October will coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the US cinematic release of Bullitt, which first screened on 17 October, 1968. Only 700 units of the Mustang Bullitt are confirmed for Australia, all of which will be individually numbered, with an identifying plaque on the passenger-side dash. Pricing is $73,688 (incl. LCT, excl. ORCs), with orders open from 19 June. See your Ford dealer to order and for further details.
