Ford's Mustang Bullitt returns for 2008

Ford's Mustang Bullitt returns for 2008

Nov. 5, 2007 -- The Ford Mustang Bullitt is back for 2008, having made its first public showing at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on Nov. 13, 2007. The Bullitt will come to dealerships early in 2008, although production will be limited to 7,700 units for the U.S. and Canada.

Blending the Mustang ever with the latest Ford Racing technology, this sports coupe aims to live up to the magic of the movie 'Bullitt' by delivering a new-generation Mustang Bullitt that balances power, performance and, as a Ford spokesperson calls it, "a look of quiet intensity."

The model features a special chassis and suspension tweaks as well as a 4.6-litre V-8 engine that produces 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The live rear axle uses a unique 3.73:1 gear that helps launch the Bullitt with vigour.

Engine calibration is designed to increase throttle response for a snappier acceleration feel. The redline has been boosted by 250 rpm to 6,500, with top-end speed bumped to 151 mph (240 km/h). Gears are selected via a Tremac five-speed manual transmission, and the shifter is topped with a polished aluminum shift ball designed specifically for the 2008 Bullitt.

The car features the first use of an open-element air filter in a factory-produced, fuel-injected Mustang. Inspired by Ford Racing, the intake is tucked neatly behind the driver side headlamp, mounted in an air box that was tooled up specifically for the Mustang. The hood liner was extensively modified to provide a full seal to the air box, ensuring that the engine is fed a steady diet of cooler air.

Engine performance is further enhanced through the use of an innovative adaptive spark ignition system, new for the 2008 Mustang. The system can sense, within a few seconds, what type of fuel is being injected into the motor and adjusts the spark to provide maximum torque at any given speed -- and as much as 10 lb-ft more between 1,000 and 4,000 rpm.

Stock Mustang GT shocks and struts were swapped out for new units that allowed engineers to dial in a more aggressive driving dynamic while still maintaining the ride and balance of the base Mustang GT. A tower-to-tower brace designed specifically for the Bullitt lends additional torsional and lateral stiffness to the chassis for improved cornering and holds a unique serial number for each Bullitt.

The brakes also have been improved versus the base Mustang GT's. More aggressive front pads were developed specifically for this model and improve fade resistance and pedal feel.

The 2008 Mustang Bullitt wears unique cast-aluminum Euroflange wheels, offering a modern twist on the original movie car. The Dark Argent Gray spokes feature a satin finish with a bright-machined lip. Calipers are coloured to match the wheel. The wheels are wrapped in the same P235/50ZR 18 BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDWS tires used on Mustangs at the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah.

The custom-designed exhaust system continues Mustang's traditional use of a true dual-exhaust system with a new H-pipe specifically developed for the Bullitt. The all-new mufflers, featuring larger 3.5-in. chrome tips (versus the 3-in. tips on the standard Mustang GT) are tuned to minimize backpressure, maximize horsepower and provide the Bullitt with it a powerful exhaust note.

The new Bullitt wears a close match to the movie car's 1968 Highland Green paint, officially called Dark Highland Green. This distinctive colour has only graced one other Mustang, the 2001 Mustang Bullitt. The colour will remain an exclusive Mustang Bullitt colour. Non-purists can opt for only one other colour -- black.

The Bullitt option will be available on the Mustang GT coupe for the price of $4,495.00 CDN.

Visit www.ford.ca for more information.

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The Ford Mustang Bullitt™ is back for 2008.