Step back in time with me to the days of high-performance pony cars and testosterone-fuelled cop movies. I'm talking of course about San Francisco Detective Lieutenant Frank Bullitt and his dark Highland green 1968 Mustang Fastback. Ford has resurrected much of that heart-pounding nostalgia in the 2008 Bullitt version of their punchy steed.
Strikingly similar appearance
When Ford set about designing a retro-look Mustang, few (yours truly included) thought it would turn out so incredibly well. That accomplishment has repeated itself in relation to the wheels that kept Frank hot on the bumper of a sinister, black Dodge Charger.
Normally, I wouldn't fawn over a car of the Bullitt's colour, but in this case, the deep green combined with charcoal gray sport rims and flat black window trim communicates a message of no-nonsense undercover performance. In fact, you won't find any exterior badging on the Bullitt except for a faux "Bullitt" filler cap on the rear fascia and small, traditional pony center-points on the rims.
The interior is also on the lean and mean side, however some modern applications are found, such as a touch-screen interface for the audio and navigation system. The only steering wheel-mounted controls are those assigned to cruise control duty.
The Bullitt package also includes a gunmetal aluminum dash plus leather-trimmed bucket seats. Collectively, the metal dash and an aluminum orb stick shift knob faithfully impart a 1960s sense of "cool," similar to that epitomized by the late Steve McQueen behind the wheel of his 1968 fastback.
Bullitt is more than a GT without the emblems
The Bullitt Mustang is everything that a GT Mustang is, and more. The 4.6-litre V8 has been bumped up to 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It also has a redline that at 6,500 rpm, is 250-rpm higher. The Bullitt engine features an open-element air filter to ensure it's sucking in unrestricted cold air.
Engine calibration has been revised to enhance throttle response, which is audibly appreciated through a new exhaust system that was engineered to replicate as close as possible the throaty staccato roar from the twin pipes of Lt. Bullitt's ride.
And I must give credit where credit is due; the new Bullitt Mustang sounds remarkably like the movie version. In fact, it must be one of the loudest and proudest-sounding cars to roll off of a showroom floor in years.
To ensure the new Mustang Bullitt has a wicked launch off-the-line and up the steep hills of San Francisco, the racing team at Ford dropped in a 3.73:1 limited-slip rear axle. And to extend its handling ability, engineers swapped the GT's shocks and struts for more-aggressive units.
They also added a tower-to-tower brace that improves torsional and lateral stiffness of the chassis. A brace-mounted plate authenticates the car as a numbered, limited-production vehicle. Only 7,700 2008 Bullitts will be produced and shared among the Canadian and US markets. Can you say "future collectable?"
Handling to match its undercover image
Those that believe American muscle is all about straight-line theatrics couldn't be more misinformed. Sure, the Bullitt Mustang is mighty quick in-between curves, however it's also mighty capable in them, perhaps more so than expected.
My testing didn't provide track time to fully fire Ford's 4-wheel projectile, but my exploits were sufficient to deem it a stout handler in pretty much any situation. Steering response is crisp and precise while body lean is NIL to negligible. Ride quality is however on the firm side, leaving one to feel that while effective, the underpinnings are not all that sophisticated.
Being Frank
I was astonished at how successfully the Bullitt returned me to my teen years, a time when nothing but a loud, bitchin' V8 would be considered worthy of attention. From its heavy clutch to its rumbling powerplant, the Bullitt is true to the era.
All the seat-of-your-pants performance and visceral intensity of true muscle cars is captured in the Mustang Bullitt, but not without a nod modernity in the way of comfort and reliability, safety and protection. Unfortunately, the nod isn't sufficient to equip the vehicle with a stability control system.
The Bullitt is not a car for everyone. In fact, the significance of this Hollywood-inspired ride may be lost on many, yet for fans of Steve McQueen and his Frank Bullitt character, this beauty is an emotional time machine.
The 2008 Mustang Bullitt does little discreetly. It demands your attention and respect, and in return, it makes you Frank Bullitt--and how cool is that?
Photos: Rob Rothwell : http://www.auto123.com
