2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Up Close and Personal
Slideshow: When you think Bullitt, you think Steve McQueen, and while this Bullitt is not The King of Cool's Bullitt, there is plenty to get excited about from its Retro styling to its potent high-tech!
Fast as a Bullitt
When Ford came out with the new Bullitt back in 2008, the idea was to let everyday folks channel their inner Steve McQueen. The original Bullitt first hit dealerships back in 1968 and was known as the Ford Mustang 390 Fastback Bullitt '559. Today's Bullitt may mimic the one McQueen drove in the movie of the same name, but it's a far cry from the original, which carried a 390-cubic-inch V-8 that put out 320 hp at 4,800 rpm and 427 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm. While the 2019 version offers more power, it lacks the classic charm, grit, and good looks of the original.
The filter
We're not suggesting that the 2019 Bullitt doesn't have good qualities of its own. In fact, it may be the best Mustang option you can buy. It's more powerful than the Mustang GT, faster than the Mustang GT, and better looking than the Mustang GT. So what are some of the features of the new Bullitt that we don't get to see in press releases and glossy promotional photos? The first thing you see when the hood is popped is that huge air cleaner feeding the intake system. It's huge for a reason. You're gonna need it!
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The engine
The engine is a slick 5.0-liter V-8 cranking out 480 horsepower, and 420 lb./ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. The 0-60 time is claimed to be a very respectable 4.4 seconds. These figures are based on the use of 93 octane fuel.
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The performance
The car we tested was delivered with 91 octane fuel. Ford won't tell us what the horsepower is when using this blend, a tuner would, and since we didn't have time for that, we ran other tests. This Mustang ran 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds, which is quicker than most of the competition.
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The transmission
The only gearbox offered is a 6-speed manual. It's easy to use and matches this high-revving V-8 just fine. Since this is a retro car, there are no plans to offer the 10-speed automatic transmission that's available in the Mustang GT. The manual car is quicker off the line thanks to a "Launch Control" program that's not available on the automatic transmission.
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The brakes
To bring this powerful car to a quick halt, we get large 6-piston 15-inch discs on the front and 15-inch 4-pistons on the rear. Even in hard downhill driving, they never faded.
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The interior
The cabin is presented in a simple design with most controls close by and easy to use.
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The dash
The dash provides plenty of useful information. Later production cars will have a computer to keep track of 0-60 and quarter mile times.
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The screen
The entertainment screen isn't very large, but still easy to read. It features Ford's trademarked SYNC 3 with voice recognition and hands-free calling, among many other features, and the SYNC 3 AppLink is even compatible with Waze.
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The parking brake
The Mustang Bullitt comes with a real old-fashioned manual parking (or emergency) brake pull handle as opposed to the more modern push-button electric parking brake (EPB) put on many cars today. While the EPB may be up to 16 lbs lighter than the pull lever brake, what we like about the old technology is that when you pull it and hear that grating clicking sound, you know it's not going to let you down.
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The price tag
The base price starts at $46,595, but three options will increase the price. This Bullitt had two options: the MagneRide suspension at $1,695 and electronic package at $2,100. The total tab was $51,290. The third option offers leather and custom seats. There is no foreign made car that can offer this performance anywhere near the price. In this respect, the Bullitt is a bargain.
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The emblem
The Bullitt emblem on the outside panel will give you instant Steve McQueen respectability, and the noise from your pipes will turn heads. Nothing beats the sound of a strong American designed V-8 and the Bullitt does not disappoint!
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And, for information on maintenance and repairs for your Mustang, head on over to our How-Tos at MustangForums.com!