Geneva show: Ford Mustang Bullitt coming to Aus

FORD Australia has confirmed that it will offer the limited-edition Mustang Bullitt Down Under, with the movie-themed model hitting dealerships later this year.

The Blue Oval ripped the covers off the European-spec Bullitt ahead of the Geneva motor show, following its debut at January’s Detroit motor show.

The Bullitt pays homage to the 1968 action movie of the same name starring Steve McQueen, which features an iconic 10-minute car chase scene where McQueen chases two hitmen through the streets of San Francisco in a 1968 Mustang GT Fastback.

Ford Australia president and CEO Graeme Whickman said the special edition version was a great way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film.

“Steve McQueen as Bullitt created a legend and Mustang Bullitt is the perfect way to salute an icon of the silver screen,” he said. “We’re excited to offer Australian buyers the Mustang Bullitt, especially on the 50th anniversary of the legendary film.”

Precise timing for an Australian launch is unclear, but it is likely to hit showrooms before the end of 2018, following the launch of the rest of the facelifted Mustang range that goes on sale in June or July.

Ford is also staying quiet on pricing, but expect it to carry a premium over the $62,990 plus on-road costs Mustang GT Fastback on which it is based.

Australia’s allocation of Bullitts is also unclear, with Ford saying that numbers are strictly limited.

It will be offered exclusively as a six-speed manual and available in two exterior colours – Shadow Black or Dark Highland Green, which as inspired by the Mustang in the movie.

Under the bonnet is a tweaked version of the 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine producing at least 354kW and 569Nm, an increase of 15kW/13Nm over the incoming updated Mustang GT, ensuring a top speed of 262km/h.

As previously reported, exterior tweaks include a blackened grille and rear bootlid adorned with a Bullitt badge, and chrome accents around the grille and front windows in homage to the movie car.

Inside, it gains green highlight stitching on the leather and a Bullitt nameplate on the dashboard and steering wheel.

Factory options include the MagneRide semi-active suspension, Recaro leather front seats and Bullitt Electronics Package that bundles satellite navigation, driver memory seats and mirrors, upgraded sound system and blind-spot monitoring.

The Bullitt also gains heated leather seats, a 12.0-inch all-digital instrument cluster with a Bullitt welcome screen and 19-inch ‘torque thrust’ aluminium wheels and red-painted brake callipers.