I don't know what he was talking about either. My brother has one and they are highly coveted cars. They also had a $1500 upgraded intake. Still think the new one should also have GT-500 spec brakes and LCA's, and should all match exactly with the options. FRPP power pack and suspension, and the originally mentioned exterior modifications, and a brake upgrade with exclusive trim pieces. In a perfect world they would have the SHR louvers.

 

People could have labeled (and did) the first Bullitt in the same way. I believe that program was successful because the Bullitt is being introduced yet again.

The cosmetic updates were the same on that 2001 car - minimal. It perfectly fit the design asthetic - subtle cool.

The bean counters have a role, just as do the engineers and designers. There is always conflict in getting these people to work together. Based on Ford's financial condition, of course they will have a say in what we get with the Mustang.

I am certain when the Camaro and Challenger appear, it will be a new ballgame, and Ford will adjust accordingly.

I think some people are disappointed on the basis of engine power and size, and then generalize that to the whole car, without looking at the current economic realities for Ford.

 

Yes, and it was still unique, and better than just a K+N..

 

I don't think he is ignorant in his comments - I think he cleverly used hyperbole to describe the elevated expectations that some have built up over the time we've spent speculating. We speculated bigger than what has been delivered. What has been delivered reflects market realities.

The Mustang's success has seemingly been about variation. Many of the Mustang enthusiasts I see posting here talking about their GT/CS or Shelby GT or Shelby GT500 seem quite excited about what they get.

I think the S197 Bullitt falls into line with what was delivered in 2001. I also think the people who purchase them will enjoy them very much.

 

I agree on the brakes being upgraded!

 

If you compare the horsepower/torque increase over the stock rating for each model year, they are close -

stock '01 GT = 260hp/302 ft-lb torque
stock '01 Bullitt = ~ 270-274 hp/310 ft-lb torque (not Ford ratings but extropolated from dyno checks)
net increase = 10hp/8 ft-lb torque

stock '08 GT = 300 hp/320 ft-lb torque
stock '08.5 Bullitt = 312 hp/330 ft-lb torque (estimated)
net increase = 12hp/10ft-lb torque

I don't think one is better than the other, just different ways to achieve a similar result.

 

from the first post:

Interior Actions
Unique Sport Seating
Unique Sill Plate
Bright Metal Trim & Unique Shifter

Exterior Actions
Available In Highland Green Or Black
Unique Grill V6 Style (w/o Fog Lamps)
Rear Faux Gas Cap w/Bullitt Logo
Cap Surround Painted Charcoal Gray
18" Bullitt Style Wheel
Red Brake Calipers

The '01 Bullitts had all this and more. Let's not forget about the (still) Bullitt unique side skirts, the Bullitt & (later) Mach1 unique C-Pillar panels, the Bullitt fuel filler door, and it was the first New Edge to make use of the faux hood scoop. While it was subtle, it was still obvious that Ford put some effort into creating something new and unique. Judging from what I've read above, the new Bullitt will look like any other V6 S197 with a hardly noticeable fake gas cap treatment, darker Bullitt wheels, and an emptier looking grill.

As far as power is concerned, Ford's obviously still not listening to it's customers who year after year ask for more power. They're flooding the market with Shelby variants to the point they have to water down any SE offerings so as not to step on Shelby's toes. This, combined with ADM's, makes it hard for the common man to be able to purchase anything new with significant power...

At this point, I'm left with two options:
1) Hope that the specs we're reading about have been grossly understated and that there is more in store.
2) Wish Ford would drop the GT500's 5.4L into a stripped down base model, call it an LX, and price it equal to a GT.

 

I'm a bit angered by the fact that they don't seem interested in giving us any serious replacement engine until the redesign, i'm sure when GM drops a 400hp LS2 in the camaro Ford will do something, they already have the equipment to mount the 5.4 into the Mustang frame, if they would just engineer it without the supercharger and take out all the expensive SVT gear so it's still affordable, i'm sure they could get it up to 400hp. But what about now?

I personally think that 300hp is plenty, but you get into it with the guy next to you with that new camaro or challenger with way more power, or even worse, a future model mustang with the new engine, and the 05-08 guys just sulk back into their seats. One other thing i've been thinking about, Ford has made it obvious that the Bullitt mustang is not a one time only thing, i'm willing to bet come the next redesign, people will be screaming for a Bullitt version, and Ford will deliver. There isn't much difference power-wise between the 01 and the 08, but if Ford intends to keep up with the other muscle on the block we need a bigger engine, they can't keep milking the 4.6 forever.

 

Same thing happened to the '96/'98 guys when the '99's came out. It's just happening again.

 

I will definitely give you the side skirts and fuel doors (they are both cool). However, the C-pillar panels on the S197 are not as easy to modify than the previous car, since they are a stamped part of the exposed body work. In the case of the fake hood scoop, it actually was a slightly larger version of what came on the 1999 35th Anniversary Edition GT.



I am sure they are listening - the question is "Can they afford to deliver it"?



Since the new GT has come up almost to the power level of the previous Mach, it definitely makes it difficult to fill the gap between 300 and 500hp.



Power is relative, of course. I would like the common man (or woman) to be able to purchase a 300hp V8 for less than $25,000 US. Unfortunately, I can't see how that will happen unless they get a used GT. As many have noted, the lack of direct competition most likely has played a role.



I personally doubt there is more.

I wish Ford would have produced a 5.0L engine like in the Saleen/PJ edition in the GT. I would not want an iron block 5.4L engine to weigh down a performance version in the front. I think we both will NOT be granted our respective wishes. The engine development costs most likely cannot be justified, given Ford's financial condition.

 

Before you go getting your panties in a twist, notice the emoticon after what I said. Can't take a joke?
Why was a 5hp increase, some suspension and appearance mods and highland green paint "worthy" in 2001 but the same kinds of suspension and appearance tweaks with a 12 hp increase not "worthy" in 2008?

Why were some suspension tweaks, a few engine bolt ons, and some stripes enough to make the '66 GT350 "legendary" yet a Shelby GT with the same minor tweaks is not good enough?

 

Because that was then and this is now. The world marches on and so does progress (except in this case).

You might wish to refrain from telling either myself or '1Bullitt' (both confessed Bullitt-heads) what we ought to find acceptable in a new Bullitt.

 

The problem is that it is not getting the same increases that the 2001 got.

in 2001 the bullitt upgrade was $3600 I bet this new one without any new engine parts and without any brake upgrade, without going the extra mile like clearcoating the engine bay.. will be substatually more money.

 

You may volunteer to untwist, smell, and taste them. All you have to do is ask. Free shipping is available.
It wasn't, which could be why most original Bullitt owners traded for Mach 1s , Cobras, Covettes, and others. Had the '01 Bullitt been given the then available 32v 4.6 or the present proposed 2008.5 a n/a 5.4 or a s/c 4.6 this discussion would be nonexistent. The moaning would then be based on the limited proposed production instead.
The answer is in your "Why and not good enough" plea. It's called progress. Besides, back then most people didn't know any better. Being aware and informed doesn't hurt either, those being factors which usually play into better judgement and decision making.

 

<BUZZZZZZ>As stated... 35th Anniversary's and Spring Editions had them before the Bullitt. (one of them was smaller size)

 

I personally think the car is a little short of the mark myself. I personally would have loved to see some kind of big brake kit and extra horsepower in addition to a lowered suspension. Essentially all they did for this car was order up a new color, add a few cosmetic bits that can be done at the factory or an upfitter.

Everyone who is dissapointed (including myself) was probably expecting an SE that would truly bridge the gap between the GT and the SVT model. there is a big gap between 300HP and 500HP, and a 12HP boost won't do it for me personally. A 3V or 4V 5.4 with big brakes and a warranty might have even gotten me to consider trading in my low-miles car.

Since I started posting here, i've been saying time and time again that they should just add another vehicle in the lineup (a full time S/E). Many insurance companies and police departments are cracking down on modified cars, so a 400hp turnkey car that is insurable with a warranty would be money in the bank. This is in addition to the competition that will be sporting around 400hp no doubt.

 

Not much to say that hasn't been said before.

My expectations for the Bullitt were real low but Ford managed to come in below them. I thought for sure they'd manage 325 HP, 6 speed trannie and big brakes.

 

It could have been worst.



Ford could have the gone politically correct route and called it Green Peace Green.

 

Great another half a...... so called SE. Ford needs to wake up and start making improvements to the regular GT's instead of riding on Shelby's coat tails. There's going to be competition coming soon in the form of the Camaro and Challenger which will catch Ford with their pants down if their not careful.

 

i had a dream last night that i went to the dealer to pick up my new Bullitt, and there it sat in all it's hyped up glory. The dealer then told me the model i was looking at was NOT the Bullitt, and showed me the real '08 Bullitt.

I left with a new pickup truck instead.
doh't! don't know how i forgot about that one!