New 'Bullitt' recalls the most famous car chase scene ever filmed
By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com
(September 24, 2018) It was 50 years ago when, on the streets of San Francisco, some guy named Steve McQueen made film history, starring as tough-guy police Lieutenant Frank Bullitt in the aptly named action thriller “Bullitt.” While I personally found the movie cinematically a bit tedious (I consider “Papillion” to be McQueen’s magnum opus), the movie’s 10-minute chase scene, exquisitely filmed with real cars and no special effects, has become the stuff of legend.
The walkaway stars of the movie, with a cult following all their own, were the legendary Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT fastback driven by McQueen, and the black 1968 Dodge Charger he chased.
Marking the 50th anniversary of the film, Ford has reincarnated the cinematic Mustang as a special limited-edition Bullitt, with premium and performance equipment in a slick, subtle, understated design. The 5.0-liter V-8 delivers 480-horsepower and 420 lb.-ft of torque. For the record, this is the third time Ford has issued a special Bullitt edition; the first was in 2001, and it returned for the 2008-09 model years.
There’s minimal badging inside and out, just a circular, faux gas cap Bullitt logo at the rear center, and the fully active black NitroPlate quad-tip exhaust that delivers a rhythmic burble at idle, and sweet melodic roar under full acceleration.
A leather-trimmed interior features green accent stitching on the dashboard, door panels, center console, and seats. Of course, Ford includes the classic white cue ball shifter knob atop the six-speed manual shifter.
Overall, the 2019 Mustang Bullitt is absolutely thrilling to drive, channeling the late actor’s prowess behind the wheel. The only thing missing is a dark blue turtleneck and brown tweed jacket.
Vital Stats
Base Price: $47,495.00
Price as Tested: $51,290
Powerplant: 5.0-Liter 485-horsepower V-8 with a 6-speed manual transmission
Fuel Economy:15-MPG City – 24-MPG Highway – 18-MPG Combined
Seating: 4
Crash Test Results: Highest possible 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Final Assembly Plant: Flat Rock, Michigan
Competes With
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
Dodge challenger SRT 392
Fab Features
Exhaust notes that perfectly match the original 1968 Bullitt
Original 1968 Bullitt Dark Highland Green original color
No Mustang badging in sight, rather five “Bullitt” badge locations