Dark Highland Green is not the Bullitt’s solely shade, however it’s the one one which issues.
Steven Ewing/Roadshow
The Bullitt is not all that completely different from a normal Ford Mustang GT — visually or mechanically — however it has simply sufficient tweaks to show heads. And with its rumbling V8 and six-speed guide transmission, it is a Mustang that is simple to like.
LikeExcellent V8 powertrainLooks awesomeUseful Sync 3 tech
Don’t LikeTight interiorSpendy in comparison with different Mustang fashions
The Bullitt actually flies beneath the radar. It does not have any badges, save for its title on the fake rear gasoline cap, and there is no Mustang emblem on the honeycomb grille. The solely useless visible giveaways are the black, 19-inch wheels and Dark Highland Green paint, although you can too purchase a Bullitt in blue or black (however you should not).Ford’s 5.0-liter V8 engine places out 480 horsepower, which is a slight bump over the Mustang GT because of a bigger throttle physique and an consumption manifold borrowed from the Shelby GT350. To complement that energy, 420 pound-feet of torque can be found good and low within the rev vary, so there’s by no means a scarcity of energy. Standard efficiency tools features a Torsen limited-slip differential, entrance aero splitter, upgraded entrance springs and staggered Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (255/40 up entrance, 275/40 in again).
Now enjoying:
Watch this:
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt: We’re channeling Steve McQueen
6:09
The entire bundle simply works. Coupled with the limited-slip diff, the unbiased rear suspension means the Bullitt can fortunately slalom by means of tight curves. Sure, at 3,850 kilos it is not precisely what I’d name spry, however the direct steering helps, as do the sticky Pilot Sport 4S tires. You may even get the Bullitt with Ford’s magnetic experience suspension — a $1,695 choice — which might alter the dampers as much as 1,000 occasions per second.A number of completely different drive modes actually allow you to dial within the experience. I’ll depart Snow alone for apparent causes, and discover the Bullitt is finest skilled in Sport. Each mode switches up the traction management and throttle response, and I can personalize the steering effort between Comfort, Normal and Sport settings. An particular person My Mode allows you to set the parameters to your particular liking, so I can have the efficiency set to Sport however the exhaust set to Track, as a result of I like annoying my neighbors. Of course, there’s additionally Line Lock, for candy smoky burnouts.
My one criticism? My Mode isn’t the default whenever you begin the automotive. What good is having a customized setting if it’s a must to choose it each time you begin the automotive?
Still, that is a really small criticism contemplating the whole lot else is so nice. The clutch pedal really feel is good, the cue-ball shifter feels nice in my hand, and equipment adjustments are super-satisfying. Sport mode has automated rev-matching, however you may flip it off. The Brembo brakes — 13.8-inch ventilated discs up entrance, 12.5-inch stable discs on the rear — are fast to seize however provide linear pedal really feel. I actually might drive this automotive all day.It’s not a tech-rich sports activities automotive, although, with solely blind-spot monitoring and common cruise management. If you need the newest driver-assistance options, you most likely aren’t looking for a Mustang anyway.But simply because the Bullitt does not have any driving aids doesn’t suggest it is devoid of tech. My tester has an 8-inch touchscreen operating Ford’s easy-to-use Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The elective navigation system options one-box entry so I solely have to enter “ice cream” and I get an inventory of close by places for deliciousness. I additionally like that the “Where am I?” characteristic provides latitude and longitude coordinates in addition to the closest highway. (I’m a map geek, what can I say?)The cue-ball shifter is among the finest issues in regards to the Bullitt’s inside.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
While the Sync 3 system could be very user-friendly, the display is usually laggy, normally when clicking on an icon that I have not used not too long ago. It’s just like the characteristic must be dragged from its reminiscence banks when it was in the midst of a deep sleep.The 12-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster is fairly dope, particularly with the ribbon tachometer unfold throughout the display. This can be the place the Mustang’s Track Apps stay, with pages for a timer, accelerometer, brake efficiency, lap timer and launch management.As for charging, there’s a USB-A and 12-volt outlet up entrance and one among every within the heart armrest, as effectively. There are not any charging ports for rear seat passengers, which is not any large deal as a result of, my lord, why would anybody ever need to sit again there? When I fold my comparatively slender 5-foot, 9-inch body into the again seat I discover my head is touching the rear glass. The driver’s seat is pushed a lot of the approach ahead and I’ve the tiniest little bit of legroom, however I might solely put a child or my worst enemy again there. The rear seat is healthier used as a secondary cargo area along with the 13.5 cubic-foot trunk. Bottom line, the Mustang is tight. If you want extra room, take a look at the bigger Dodge Challenger.The Bullitt is an $8,000 improve over a Mustang GT Premium.
Steven Ewing/Roadshow
The main draw back to the Bullitt is that it is an $8,000 upcharge over a Mustang GT Premium. The as-tested worth on my instance is $52,595, together with $1,095 for vacation spot. And for the reason that Bullitt solely will get 14 miles per gallon metropolis, 23 mpg freeway and 17 mpg mixed, there is a $1,000 gasoline guzzler tax added on.The Mustang is not the one muscular sport coupe round, both. I’ve all the time been a fan of the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody, although it form of drives like a ship. The Chevrolet Camaro provides a 6.2-liter V8 engine with Bullitt ranges of energy, and within the immortal phrases of The Dead Milkmen, is completely bitchin’.Ford additionally provides sportier Mustangs, do not forget: the Shelby GT350 and GT500. Both are costlier, however they’re much better by way of dealing with and provide extra energy, besides. But they’re additionally completely different vehicles for various functions. And the Bullitt is simply so cool.Everything from the Bullitt’s inexperienced paint to the snazzy wheels to the rumbling exhaust pays homage to the Mustang’s movie-car heritage and its iconic place in American tradition. It may not be the quickest, best-handling Mustang, however it’s simply my favourite.