2008 Ford Mustang Bullit

Decades after hitting the big screen and redefining the on-screen car chase, the Ford Mustang Bullitt returns to the streets in 2008, blending the best Mustang ever with the latest Ford Racing technology. The chase scene from the 1968 Steve McQueen flick, “Bullitt,” was, is, and remains the most iconic ever filmed. There’ve been some valiant challengers: the late John Frankenheimer’s heart-pounding work through the streets of Paris in “Ronin”; making Minis fly in “The Italian Job” (the original and the remake); some intense, authentic action in the recent Bourne movies. But when the lists are made and the bets are laid down, “Bullitt” comes out on top. Every time.

This modern classic delivers a balance of power and performance, thanks to special chassis and suspension tweaks as well as the 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque that Bullitt delivers through its 4.6-liter V-8 engine.
The Bullitt received no more attention than it did the previous day. Only a few knowledgeable Mustang buffs actually knew what they were looking at when they saw us pass by. We’ve also found reactions from current Mustang owners to be mixed. Half the people love the stripped down look, while others seem to be questioning whether Ford did enough with the car. Either there’s not enough power, they didn’t do enough with the styling, or it needs something to differentiate it from a stock GT and the V6.

A set of 18-inch wheels styled to look like Torq-Thrusts hold the 2008 Mustang Bullitt up on P235/50ZR18 BFGoodrich G-Force T/A KDWS all-season performance tires. While the wheels have their own unique satin finish on the Bullitt, similar wheels are offered on the regular Mustang GT along with the same BFG rubber.
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 outstanding ride and balance of the base Mustang GT. A tower-to-tower pace 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 2008 Mustang Bullitt delivers balanced performance,” said Paul Randle, chief engineer. “Comfort is not compromised for performance. Performance is on demand. You can easily take Bullitt from the track to the street and back onto the track with confidence.”

Best of all, the styling is simply awesome. The shape is devoid of scoops and doo-dads and is subdued. The green paint is unique and stunning and the torque-thrust wheels look fantastic (though I wish they had more “lip” in the rear). The exhaust note is similarly subdued—until you put the loud pedal down. The sound system, if/when you get tired of the exhaust note, is the loudest and cleanest I’ve tested this year. And, miraculously, mileage hovered around 16 mpg despite total lead-footedness.
Most people who see the car will give it only a slight glance, and that is what is intended. It was built to reflect the movie car, and only those who really know Mustangs will know what the car represents. Think of it this way – what would Steve McQueen drive? Definitely not something that would attract attention. After all, if there’s a guy who doesn’t need people to tell him he’s cool, it’s Steve McQueen.