Since the new Ford Mustang was launched locally, South Africans have consistently ensured it is the top selling sports car in Msanzi, easy outselling its rivals. It’s fair to say that Saffas are relishing finally having a Mustang available locally.
And while the Mustang was facelifted some time ago in the United States, Ford South Africa has been coy on when the revised model would launch locally, until now. Ford has now confirmed that they ‘new’ Mustang will reach our shores in early 2019, and with it, a very special model.
We are of course talking about the Mustang Bullitt, which will be available in very limited numbers. The Mustang Bullitt is a special edition model that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Steve McQueen movie that made the green machine so famous.
The pony car is likely to be available in a choice of two colours, Shadow Black or the classic Highland Green. While retro touches include 19-inch Torq Thrust-style (that hide massive Brembo brakes), and other Bullitt design touches feature throughout. In keeping with modern times, it will feature the latest 12-inch digital infotainment display as well as a premium 1000-watt B&O system, with Recaro sport seats and a heated leather steering wheel competing the interior.
The South African-spec Bullitt is expected to be minutelu different to the American-spec model, with our model detuned, which will see output drop from 354kw and 569nm to 340kw and 529nm. It's still powered by the same 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8, with key differences over the regular Mustang including an open-air induction system, an upgraded intake manifold, 87mm throttle bodies and a control module calibration straight from the Shelby Mustang GT350. Much like the American Bullitt, only one transmission will be offered - a 6-speed manual equipped with Ford’s new rev-matching technology which blips the throttle as the driver downshifts.
“This new Bullitt is my favorite Mustang,” said Darrell Behmer, Mustang chief designer. “With zero stripes, spoilers or badges, it doesn’t need to shout. It’s just cool, like Steve McQueen.”
The specification and pricing for the South African Bullitt will be announced closer to its local launch.
