(from Ford Press Release)
Ford announced it will introduce the 2001 Mustang Bullitt GT, a
performance derivative inspired by the legendary 1968 Mustang Fastback
that co-starred with Steve McQueen in the classic Warner Bros. Pictures
film, "Bullitt." The decision to put the Bullitt into production came
after Ford received overwhelming positive response from consumers who
first saw a concept version of the car at the 2000 Los Angeles Auto
Show.
"The movie has some of the greatest car-chase scenes ever filmed," says
Ford Division President, Jim O'Connor. "The 1968 fastback Mustang GT
390, driven by Steve McQueen, created an indelible image in the minds of
millions of people. We have taken some of the passion from the Hollywood
film and put it in an exciting new car."
The 2001 Bullitt features exterior enhancements that visually and
emotionally connect it to the 1968 fastback from the film. These
modifications include unique side scoops, 17-inch Bullitt-style aluminum
wheels and a lowered suspension.
The C-pillars and quarter panel molding have been modified to create a
unique look. Rocker-panel moldings enhance the low-to-the-ground
appearance. A bold, brushed aluminum fuel filler door is prominently
placed on the quarter panel. Bullitt badging and polished-rolled
tailpipe tips further distinguish the car. Bullitt is available in Dark
Highland Green, True Blue and Black.
The heart of Bullitt GT is a 4.6L SOHC V-8 modified to improve airflow.
It produces 265 horsepower and significantly more torque than the
Mustang GT engine. Modifications include:
--Twin 57mm bore throttle body
--Cast aluminum intake manifold
--High flow mufflers for increased power and aggressive performance
sound
--Optimized alternator and pump pulley ratios
Bullitt's suspension translates this power into crisp road manners. The
vehicle is lowered three-fourths of an inch to generate a firmer,
better-balanced ride and improved handling characteristics. The
performance-handling package includes:
--Re-valved Tokico struts and shocks
--Unique stabilizer bars (front and rear)
--Frame rail connectors
--Thirteen-inch Brembo front rotors and performance calipers provide
excellent stopping capability. The calipers are painted red and are
visible through the 17-inch wheel spokes when the car is parked, or when
it is cruising the streets of San Francisco.
"Bullitt is quick off the line, handles great, stops fast and shifts
easily with improved pedal relationship," says Art Hyde, Mustang chief
program engineer. "This is the best performing GT we have ever
produced."
Inside, Bullitt features performance bucket seats with Dark Charcoal
leather trim. A brushed aluminum shifter ball, shifter bezel, door sill
plates with Bullitt nomenclature and aluminum pedal covers accent the
interior's performance appearance. The instrument cluster gives a modern
look to 1960's interiors with unique curved numeric speedometer graphics
and a white-lit background.
"With the Mustang Bullitt, we have a lot of functional features that
would make Steve McQueen and Detective Frank Bullitt proud today," says
O'Connor. "Bullitt has elevated the GT into an unforgettable car that
enhances Ford's performance reputation and builds on Mustang's
performance tradition that began with vehicles like the Mach 1, Boss 302
and the 428 Cobra Jet."
All these features are included for a package price of $3,695 MSRP.
There will be a limited production of about 6,500 Mustang Bullitt GTs
built on the same line of the Dearborn Assembly Plant that produces the
V6, GT and Cobra Mustangs. Each Bullitt will come with a unique
serialized identification label from the factory to ensure exclusivity
and collectability.
Ford marked Mustang's 35th anniversary in 1999 with across-the-board
improvements, including major styling, powertrain and handling upgrades.
Increases in horsepower and torque gave more muscle to both the V-6 and
V-8 engines and reduced 0-60 mph and quarter-mile acceleration times.
The exterior design harkens back to the concept of the original pony
car, with styling cues like the classic long hood and short deck; a
prominent hood scoop; enlarged, sculptured side scoops with a bold
triangular shape; and the vehicle's signature tri-bar taillamps. Mustang
enthusiasts recognize familiar details like the rear spoiler, honeycomb
grille textures, and side character lines.
Mustang boasted sales of 418,812 its first year on the market after
making its debut at the New York World's Fair in 1964. The millionth
Mustang was produced in Dearborn, Michigan in 1966. Since then, the
all-American sports car has become one of the legendary automotive
brands and more than seven million Mustangs have been sold.
