From Jonathan Lamas,
Your Guide to Mustangs.
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In 2001, Ford released the first special-edition Bullitt Mustang to commemorate the Steve McQueen movie, Bullitt, in which a Dark Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT-390 raced through the streets of San Francisco. For most Mustang enthusiasts, this race scene stands out as one of the most memorable Mustang movie moments of all time.

Seven years later, in 2008, Ford will offer the next generation of Bullitt Mustang. The 2008 release coincides with the 40th Anniversary of the movie’s release in 1968. In all, the new Bullitt Mustang is more powerful, more modern, and more sought after than ever before.

Key Features

• 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque
  
• Dark Highland Green or Black exterior
  
• Exhaust Note Engineered to Mimic Exhaust in the Movie
  
• Limited to 7,700 units (5,600 in 2008/2,100 in 2009)
  
• $30,730 Manufacturer’s List Price (MSRP)
  Photo Gallery
  

Bullitt's Power Plant

The 2008 Bullitt Mustang features a 4.6L, 3-valve V8 engine which is said to produce 315 hp at 6,000 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. In addition, the engine has been calibrated to increase throttle response for a snappier acceleration feel. With a top-end speed of 151 MPH, and a redline set at 6,500, the Bullitt is definitely a mover and a shaker. In fact, Ford reports zero to 60 times drop by up to three tenths of a second over the Mustang GT.

The 2008 Bullitt also features the first use of an open-element air filter in a factory-produced, fuel-injected Mustang. The intake is placed behind the driver side headlamp, mounted in an air box that was tooled up specifically for the Mustang. The hood liner was extensively modified to provide a full seal to the air box. Engineers further enhanced the Bullitt's performance by integrating an adaptive spark ignition system, new for the 2008 Mustang. According to Ford, the system can sense, within a few seconds, what type of fuel is being injected into the motor and adjusts the spark to provide maximum torque at any given speed – and as much as 10 pounds-feet more between 1,000 and 4,000 rpm. The Bullitt can run on either regular or premium fuel, although Ford recommends premium fuel for top performance.

Another key feature, special for the Bullitt, is a true dual-exhaust system with a new H-pipe design. The mufflers feature 3.5-inch chrome tips, which are ½ an inch larger than those found on standard GT Mustangs. The idea was to produce an exhaust note that sounded like the 1968 Mustang featured in the original Bullitt movie.