Ford Needs To Bring Back the Bullitt Mustang
The sixth-generation Ford Mustang (S550) lineup boasted everything from the first EcoBoost model to the revival of the Mach 1 and Shelby GT350. However, the S550 also welcomed a short-lived return of the Bullitt Mustang, Ford’s homage model to the 1968 Steve McQueen film “Bullitt.” However, in addition to representing a connection to Mustang history, the model fills a gap in the lineup. That’s precisely why we’d like to see its return for the seventh-generation (S650) model.
A Bullitt Mustang could be a performance-oriented refinement for the S650 lineup
In the fifth-generation (S197) and S550 lineups, the Ford Mustang Bullitt produced 315 and 480 horsepower, respectively. Those figures put the Bullitt between 15 and 20 ponies ahead of the GT trims without stepping on the Shelby models’ toes.
Therein lies some of the Bullitt’s lineup appeal. The model could split the difference between the GT and the Dark Horse. Specifically, Ford’s green machine should produce the Dark Horse’s 500 horsepower without some of the track-targeting kit. Of course, fans would love to see the Blue Oval build a Bullitt with the TREMEC TR-3160 six-speed manual transmission from the now-discontinued Mach 1 and the new Dark Horse.
However, beyond offering a step up from the GT, the Bullitt takes the GT’s aesthetic to refined, grand tourer territory. Gone are the flashy badges, flashy colors, and pointless spoilers. Instead, the Bullitt goes for a subtle, de-badged look, torque-thrust-style wheels, and a clean, smooth deck lid.
A Bullitt Mustang could split the difference between the GT and Dark Horse
Beyond being a subtle, sinister pony car presentation, a new S650 Ford Mustang Bullitt could fill the gap between the GT Premium and the Dark Horse. Specifically, there is a $13,255 gap between the leather-bound GT Premium and the range-topping Dark Horse. It’s a gap where the Bullitt does battle.
| 2023 Model | Starting price |
|---|---|
| EcoBoost | $32,515 |
| GT | $43,305 |
| GT Premium | $47,825 |
| Dark Horse | $61,080 |
In previous iterations, the Bullitt came in above the GT and below the lineup-leading Shelby models. For 2024, the Ford Mustang goes without a Shelby badge, instead introducing the all-new Dark Horse. However, there’s space for a 500-horsepower, manual-only, de-badged, Dark-Highland Green Bullitt in the lineup. We’re looking at you, Ford.
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