Filed under: Coupes, Videos, Ford, First Drive
VIDEO: Mustang Bullitt melting tires courtesy of Popular Mechanics
The original Bullitt Mustang was one of the original sleepers, as all flash and flare were stripped in favor of a clean slate that could fly through the streets of San Francisco with the greatest of ease. The 2008 Bullitt has shed all the frivolities of the Shelby models, or even a stock GT, for that matter. What Ford did do was to add 15 HP through cold air induction and an engine re-calibration, made the ride more track-ready, and slid in the visual cues that brings us back to Steve McQueen's 40 year-old original.
The Popular Mechanics film crew was front and center for a sweet peak at what the 2008 Bullitt can really do, and it's a blast to watch. The newest Mustang spin-off dazzles out of the gate with an impressive array of wasted rubber while the green pony car keeps a tight orbit. We then learn some interesting facts about the Bullitt, like how Ford engineers designed the 4.6L V8 to deliver 315 HP on regular fuel, but the performance quotient increases if premium fuel is added. The extra .20 for 94 octane doesn't sound as bad when it's paying you back with extra ponies. Take a look at the video by clicking here, or hit the read link below. If you watch it and don't want to at least take a Bullitt for a spin, we're inclined to believe your interest in cars will one day pass.
[Source: Popular Mechanics]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Rafa 3:40PM (11/10/2007)
Awesome video.
Did you guys do anything like this during your testing?
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Ken 3:49PM (11/10/2007)
Edmunds.com said the car will 315 HP on regular or premium...but that it has more torque on premium.
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Eyad 3:49AM (11/11/2007)
Why is it that in US "premium" is 94? In EU regular is 95, and premium is 100. No wonder car makers only send a handful of exotics over there; must think the fuel will make their cars look bad, or even choke. May also explain why the only solution for HP from US automakers is displacement. Small, sophisticated engines are more particular about what they imbibe. If you want, I can FedEx you some gallons of the good stuff so you can wring out some more ponies.
Ken 1:21PM (11/11/2007)
LOL, 'premium' on the West Coast is 91 octane, and sometimes you will see 93 octane. Other than that, 87 octane is 'regular', and some places (Utah I guess), they even have 85 octane.
Dan Roth 2:24PM (11/11/2007)
The octane rating method in the US is RON+MON/2. I believe that Europe uses the MON numbers exclusively, and they're slightly higher.
lex 4:30PM (11/10/2007)
The Retarded are always amused with smoke and noise. To bad they can't make a car that hooks up.
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Pokey 5:04PM (11/10/2007)
.......
That One Person 5:42PM (11/10/2007)
The Retarded make stupid comments on cars they have never driven. Too bad they are too lazy to go drive one themselves....
Enok 4:33PM (11/10/2007)
There was a Mustang GTR500 at the Burlington Mall parking lot in Burlington, MA last night. How rare are they?
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dap7298 5:14PM (11/10/2007)
What a dog. All braun and no brains.
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Esprit bird 5:31PM (11/10/2007)
Thats what makes a muscle car fun.
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Reality Check 6:47PM (11/10/2007)
I have own one and this car is a blast! Everyone that see's it asks me about it and it is a very tight and well built car. Mine is a 2006 convertable with a supercharger V6 (I have 345hp and 335 torque) I used to own a 2004 330 BMW convertable and it only had a better interior but it was also in the shop half the time. If you don't own one then you can't really comment on it because they are much better then many people think and it is bullet proof!
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Lenny 6:53PM (11/10/2007)
I changed my mind from post in other Bullitt article, after seeing more of this car and the video I LOVE IT, even the front end! I hope I win powerball or have stock miracle so I can get one. :p
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gary 7:52PM (11/10/2007)
It's not 1968 folks and by the time this car reaches the local Ford showroom gasoline will cost $3.55/gal and not 35 cents/gal like in 1968.
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Mike 3:03PM (11/11/2007)
Have you heard of inflation?
A Mustang in 1968 was around $2,800, in 2008 they are around $28,000. Median housing prices in 1968 were $20,100, in 2007 they were $223,700.
I guess gasoline has finally caught up with everything else.
sl8anic 9:33PM (11/10/2007)
As a former 06 Mustang GT ragtop owner I can vouch for fun factor - on perfectly flat, free of imperfections roads. The second you hit a bump while under moderate power in turn - there goes the rear end...
Burning rubber is easy, properly channeling & utilizing it is a whole different ballgame.
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sk 9:40PM (11/10/2007)
Look at that suspension, the car jumps around like its on a trampoline. I guess it'll do fine on a strait but racing this thing over a mountain pass, no thanks.
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Bryan 9:16PM (11/11/2007)
I will never understand why people insist on comparing apples to oranges. So what if it doesn't do as well as an Elise in curves, or if it's engine isn't sophisticated. Be an appreciator and know that there is someone out there that is enjoying the ride of their choice and you are enjoying yours. If every car was a BMW or a Mercedes the car world would be very boring.
Maestro1 1:16AM (11/11/2007)
Watching the Bullitt Chase scene makes me appreciate this remake just that much more. One of the best Mustangs ever!
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kareem 6:21AM (11/11/2007)
That was the best chase seen ever(except maybe Ronin). I wonder if the new Bullitt can lose 7 hubcaps in a chase? :)