The new special edition Ford Mustang Bullitt made its Geneva Motor Show 2018 debut today.
Ford has created the car to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Warner Bros film starring Steve McQueen.
It was first unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit, earlier this year, and now the new Mustang Bullitt will go into production for customers in Europe in June.
Powering the Mustang Bullitt is a 5.0-litre V8 engine paired to a six-speed manual transmission which will deliver an anticipated 464 PS and 526 Nm of torque.
It has been enhanced with an Open Air Induction System, and intake manifold, 87mm throttle bodies and powertrain control module calibration from the Shelby Mustang GT350.
The car is being offered with a choice of Shadow Black or classic Dark Highland Green exterior colours, the Mustang Bullitt will feature 19-inch Torq Thrust-style wheels, red Brembo brake callipers and a faux Bullitt fuel-filler cap.
Inside the car is Ford’s 12-inch all-digital LCD instrument cluster and Recaro sports seats and the stitching used throughout the car will reflect the exterior colour.
Each Mustang Bullitt will also feature an individually numbered plaque in place of the traditional Mustang emblem on the passenger-side dashboard and a premium B&O PLAY audio system that delivers 1000 watts through 12 high-performance speakers has been added.
“Nothing captured the spirit and excitement of Mustang quite like that amazing car chase in ‘Bullitt’,” said Steven Armstrong, group vice president and president, Europe Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company.
“The new Mustang Bullitt will pack a similar punch when it goes on sale later this year with more power, high specification and – just like the film’s star, Steve McQueen – dripping with understated cool.”
Ford enlisted the support of third-generation members of the McQueen family, Chase and Madison, to unveil the new Mustang Bullitt in Europe.
Steve McQueen’s grandchildren , Chase and Madison, were enlisted to unveil the Mustang Bullitt in Europe and even starred in their own car-chase scene set in the Swiss Alps surrounding Geneva.
“At home we’re surrounded by memorabilia and reminders of our grandfather’s role in ‘Bullitt’, and we’ve watched the film more times than I can remember, so to be part of launching the third-generation Mustang Bullitt here in Europe has been a special experience,” said Chase McQueen.
“Our dad, Chad, taught us to drive in Fords along the Californian coastal roads, so it’s been amazing working alongside him and new car.
“We were over the moon that Ford and the Steve McQueen estate were recently able to donate the first new Mustang Bullitt VIN 001 for auction, raising $ 300,000 for charity,” said Madison McQueen.
The new Ford Mustang Bullitt pays homage to the legendary Mustang GT fastback that featured in the 1968 Steve McQueen movie.
It also follows in the footsteps of previous special edition Bullitt models in 2001 and 2008.
“This new Bullitt is, as Steve McQueen was, effortlessly cool,” said Darrell Behmer, Mustang chief designer. “As a designer, it’s my favourite Mustang – devoid of stripes, spoilers and badges. It doesn’t need to scream about anything – it’s just cool.”
Driver assistance technologies include and Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert that can alert customers of vehicles detected in difficult-to-see places.
Ford’s sophisticated MagneRide adjustable suspension system is also offered, and uses an electronically stimulated fluid inside the damper to respond in real time to changing road conditions, optimising handling without sacrificing ride comfort.
Deliveries of the new Ford Mustang for customers in Europe will begin later this year.
