Bullitt Mustang meant for SA next year

FORD SA has confirmed that the tribute Mustang Bullitt will become available in limited numbers next year.

Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the Bullitt celebrates 50 years of the iconic film with the same name that starred Steve McQueen, and also ushers in the facelifted version of Ford’s equally revered pony car.

The modern Bullitt Mustang is finished in the same Dark Highland Green exterior hue as the original Mustang GT 390 Fastback hurled by McQueen around the streets of San Francisco in the film.

When it arrives, the Bullitt will differ from the regular Mustang in that it will sport unique 19-inch Torq Thrust black alloy wheels, a bespoke body kit, faux aluminium Bullitt fuel filler cap, a black honeycomb grille, red Brembo brake callipers with uprated rotors, discreet Bullitt badging and a second colour option, Shadow Black.

Inside, the Bullitt will boast green stitching on the dashboard, door panels, seats and centre console, a unique steering wheel that drops the Mustang pony logo for a Bullitt emblem, black leather Recaro sport seats and a white ball-like gear knob as in the original.

The Bullitt will also introduce Ford’s new 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a unique green Bullitt welcoming message and a Bullitt plaque in place of the Mustang badge on the dashboard.

For SA, the Bullitt will come as standard with the open-air induction system used on the Shelby GT350, and the new Active Valve Performance exhaust system as part of the performance package upgrade, although it appears that the MagnaRide suspension has not been allocated.

Unlike the European and Australian equivalents though, local models will mirror the version sold in the US power-wise, with the 5.0-litre normally aspirated engine producing 354kW/569Nm, meaning a top speed of 262km/h.

As with McQueen’s GT390, the Bullitt will only be available with a manual gearbox, albeit with six ratios, as opposed to the original four which McQueen had to do with.

A local launch date and final pricing will only be revealed next year.