‘True’ Mustang Bullitt Successor Bows at 2018 L.A. Auto Show

By Brett Foote - December 4, 2018

‘Steve McQueen Edition’ of the 2019 Mustang Bullitt is the ultimate pony, packing 775 horsepower & 1.1 Gs of cornering ability.

The paint has barely dried on the 2019 Mustang Bullitt, a revival of everyone’s favorite movie car. But that doesn’t mean the best isn’t yet to come. We know this for a fact, because we here at Mustang Source got to witness the unveiling of Steeda Performance’s ultimate version of the new Bullitt at the 2018 L.A. Auto Show, the Steve McQueen Edition. And right off the bat, we can tell you that the legendary name affixed to this car is far more than lip service.

Steeda teamed up with McQueen Racing, Galpin Auto Sports, and McQueen’s only son Chad to launch the special ride, limited to 300 examples per year. It may look like a regular Bullitt, save for a revised fascia with enhanced cooling capability. But there’s a lot going on underneath. Starting with a whole catalog of Steeda suspension parts including a fully array of IRS support pieces and progressive springs. It all adds up to an impressive 1.1 gs of cornering capability.

McQueen Racing handled the tune, which bumps horsepower up to an even 500. Or, if you prefer, an optional 775 HP-supercharged upgrade really cranks things up. Special one-off Steve McQueen Edition Wheels are designed to replicate the original Bullitt Mustang’s hoops, and are wrapped in Nitto NT555 G2 rubber. Sitting next to the original car, it looks like a proper evolution.

And of course, the interior and exterior of the car sport a number of badges and embroidery to let everyone know you’re driving something special. And make no mistake, it is special.

“This is the highest horsepower, best handling production Mustang ever made,” Steeda’s Bob Adams said at the car’s unveiling. “It’ll make the Hellcat go back into its corner. Overall, the car is subtle. But it carries a heavy hammer.”

The Steve McQueen Bullitt is also the first car to feature a line of new suspension products developed for McQueen Racing. Even better? It’ll be sold at authorized Ford dealerships. With a warranty, no less.

We also got a chance to speak with Chad McQueen about the car and his dad’s legacy, which he’s obviously very proud of. “I can’t wait to get in it and flog it,” he admitted. And when it comes to seeing his dad’s old cars, the luster never really wears off. “It’s great. I love seeing stuff that my dad drove. It never gets old, I guess.” And for us, it never does, either.