Ford today at the Geneva Motor Show delivered European public debuts for the new Ford Mustang Bullitt – set to go into production for customers in Europe from June; the new Edge sports utility vehicle (SUV) – Ford’s most advanced SUV ever; and the new KA+ Active – the first SUV-inspired crossover version of Ford’s KA+ value-for-money car. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary Warner Bros. film starring Steve McQueen, the new Mustang Bullitt special edition was unveiled with the support of third-generation members of the McQueen family, Chase and Madison McQueen.
Mustang Bullitt features Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 engine enhanced to deliver an anticipated 464 PS and 529 Nm of torque,* introduces new rev-matching technology for seamless gear changes, and is offered with a choice of Shadow Black or classic Dark Highland Green exterior colours. “Our special edition new Ford Mustang Bullitt evokes a unique heritage we’re proud to share with the McQueen family, and are excited to offer for customers in Europe for the first time,” said Steven Armstrong, group vice president and president, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Ford Motor Company.
Mustang BULLITT coming to Europe
It’s one of the most epic car chases in movie history. Almost 10 minutes long, the iconic sequence in the Warner Bros. film “Bullitt” follows Steve McQueen at the wheel of a 1968 Mustang GT fastback as he chases two hitmen through the streets of San Francisco. The new Ford Mustang Bullitt pays homage to that famous car. The special edition model’s 5.0-litre V8 engine is enhanced with an Open Air Induction System, and intake manifold, 87 millimetre throttle bodies and powertrain control module calibration from the Shelby Mustang GT350. Ford’s new rev-matching technology delivers smoother downshifts accompanied by a “blip” of the engine, and an active valve performance exhaust system enhances the V8’s signature burble.
Special edition styling includes 19-inch Torq Thrust-style wheels, red Brembo™ brake callipers and a faux Bullitt fuel-filler cap. The interior features Recaro sports seats, and each Mustang Bullitt will have an individually numbered plaque in place of the traditional Mustang emblem on the passenger-side dashboard. As a nod to the original car’s interior, the gear shifter features a white cue ball gearshift knob. Sophisticated technology includes Ford’s 12-inch all-digital LCD instrument cluster and the premium B&O PLAY audio system delivering 1000 watts through 12 high-performance speakers, to create a rich audio experience for all occupants.
“Nothing captured the spirit and excitement of Mustang quite like that amazing car chase in ‘Bullitt’,” Armstrong said. “The new Mustang Bullitt will pack a similar punch when it goes on sale this year with more power, exciting new features like rev-matching and B&O PLAY audio, and – just like Steve McQueen – dripping with understated cool.”
Ford enlisted the support of Chase and Madison McQueen, to unveil the new Mustang Bullitt in Europe. Steve McQueen’s grandchildren – supported by their father, Chad McQueen – starred in their own car-chase scene set in the Swiss Alps surrounding Geneva, a homage to the iconic “Bullitt” chase-scene that still resonates with movie fans today. Appearing on the Ford Geneva Motor Show stand alongside the new Mustang Bullitt is a Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang GT powered by a 390 cu in (6.4-litre) V8 engine, the same model as the car driven by Steve McQueen in the movie “Bullitt”.
