Someone at Autoblog actually understands the Bullitt
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I remember about a year ago, myself, George and several other members here at TMS discussed in painful detail what the Bullitt ought to be, vs what Ford was most likely to do. We saw it as a wonderful opportunity for the company to position a Mustang between the GT500 and the GT, though it was argued that that might not be the most practical use of a cash-strapped Ford's resources at this time...an argument that was perfectly valid. But despite that acknowledgement, we felt that there was no reason why Ford should not at least view the S197 as the ideal platform from which to build a more cosmetically authentic '67 GT390, a la the original movie, such that buyers would not have to mod the car after the fact.
Conceding that there would probably not be much of a power increase, about eight months ago it became clear that that was indeed to be the case - a modest HP boost with more top end latitude and some mostly off-the-shelf performance bits. But as time went on, it became equally clear that there wasn't a lot of effort on Ford's part to even get the core-requisite cosmetics right, either...and that the car would probably look like a V6, albeit perform like a slightly enhanced GT - all with some dark highland green paint and faux Bullitt wheels. A cost effective, but not especially inspiring, effort.
And while the car that Ford has wrought is certainly nice enough taken strictly on its own merits, it is not what many of us had long hoped for, though definitely what we had anticipated given Ford's financial situation and typical modus operandi.
The '08 Bullitt is therefore a nice car when viewed apart from the Bullitt film, with an intriguing set of modest performance enhancements, but nothing particularly "special," IMHO. By the time I finish my mods next Spring, I anticipate no problem spanking stock Bullitts...and therein lies part of the problem: the stock Bullitt ought to have been built to easily outrun a modestly modded Mustang GT.
So while it's a decent package in several respects, it's neither a cosmetic OR performance home run from the Blue Oval, particularly for those of us who wanted one, and waited a long time to learn what Ford was going to deliver, only to be gravely disappointed.
Closet American
Joined: July 17, 2005
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From: Vancouver, BC (Hollywood North)
I think you guys that are so dissapointed now (those that you mention), may have built up your expectations a bit too much, to a point where pretty much nothing could meet them. I would say the only person you can blame for being dissapointed is yourself, but that is just my opinion.
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Well, if you consider things like giving the car 350 HP; or at the very least developing a more interesting lower front fascia (perhaps akin to the GT/CS); or offering a better grille treatment; or giving the car a twin-vented hood; or using something less cheesy than the Bullitt gunsight rear medallion; or doing the vertically stitched seats like back in '01 to be "building up expectations," then yeah, I guess we did.
The other styling things you mentioned range from personal nitpicks to things that would simply cost too much for the package (as per development costs), like the hood you miss so much. I would also much rather have the GT500 style seats that they put in the package as opposed to some special stitching. Why not both? Well, considering the dollar value they are charging, I don't mind.
But, hey, if you don't think you unduly built up your expectations, then I won't argue with you
.
Closet American
Joined: July 17, 2005
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From: Vancouver, BC (Hollywood North)
The other styling things you mentioned range from personal nitpicks to things that would simply cost too much for the package (as per development costs), like the hood you miss so much. I would also much rather have the GT500 style seats that they put in the package as opposed to some special stitching. Why not both? Well, considering the dollar value they are charging, I don't mind.
I don't.
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As I mentioned in my previous post, it became clear early on that that wasn't going to happen.
"It would cost too much" is always the argument that Ford and its supporters trot out, yet which many other more successful automakers never seem to have to fall back on. And yet Ford seems to be perpetually in the red. Go figure. Those things I mentioned wouldn't have cost that much - that's an altogether erroneous argument given how much money most Stangers shell out for mods anyway - but they would have made the car more unique and special. I, for one, would have happily paid another $500 to $1000 for those features, and I suspect others would have, too, particularly given that Ford doesn't have many SEs of its own and the appetite for specialty Mustangs remains strong.
I don't.
"It would cost too much" is always the argument that Ford and its supporters trot out, yet which many other more successful automakers never seem to have to fall back on. And yet Ford seems to be perpetually in the red. Go figure. Those things I mentioned wouldn't have cost that much - that's an altogether erroneous argument given how much money most Stangers shell out for mods anyway - but they would have made the car more unique and special. I, for one, would have happily paid another $500 to $1000 for those features, and I suspect others would have, too, particularly given that Ford doesn't have many SEs of its own and the appetite for specialty Mustangs remains strong.
I don't.
From the posts that are a year ago, people knew exactly what this car would be. Some didn't want to believe it I suppose.
Any special part such as bumper facia and hoods for a low production car aren't going to remain "unique and special" for long. They will make become available to anyone who wants one or be used on subsequet production.
Develepment and production costs are high for these, for much of it it isn't just a matter of making a part and bolting it on, at least from teh manufacturer. Many of these new parts demand new crash testing, etc etc.
Why do people think all of the additions they 'wanted' would only add $500 to $1000 to the package?
Those who are so 'disappointed' need to get over themselves, and quit crying about 'dashed dreams'. The car is what it is, and really there are few surprises. It's a great package at great value, and Ford will sell them all.
The Bullitt SE isn't the only Mustang nor will it be the last.
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I think you guys that are so dissapointed now (those that you mention), may have built up your expectations a bit too much, to a point where pretty much nothing could meet them. I would say the only person you can blame for being dissapointed is yourself, but that is just my opinion.
The same people need to stop whinging about it and stop jumping on those who think the car 'hit the mark'
Bullitt Member
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To put is simply.... quit ur b****ing about it and move on. There was no vented hood or special bumpers. It's not there. If you keep complaining about it... maybe just maybe... they'll magically appear there. 
Bullitt Member
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I think we're forgetting where we stand and where Ford resides on this issue of the Bullitt not having all of what we "wanted". This want was different (for the large part) for all of us. Most wanted some cosmetic changes and more power, all of which would've resulted in a much higher MSRP, which I'm sure we'd all complain about. Why doesn't the present Mustang GT look "better" and have more power? Surely Ford could've done something more with the car! They don't have to as it sells quite well now, letting those unhappy with this or that free to modify it as they like. And you can do the same to the Bullitt. Many people have modded the GT500 with even more power than it came with. Why? I guess it's a personal choice to pick up where/what Ford left off. And those wanting a more musclely car than the Mustang GT can buy a Bullitt or the powerful GT500 and go from there.
When the GT500 came out, my salesman called me to see if I was interested. He was shocked that I wasn't and asked why. I said, "too fat for me!". It made good power, but was almost two tons in weight. No thanks, not interested. A beautiful car, but I just wasn't interested, so I took a pass on it. But they still sold quite well and owners are very happy with them. With every car made, Ford offers you the option of not buying it.
It takes great effort to bring about any car. How many automakers can bring to market a movie car-twice!!? It's a rather large balancing act by any standards and with the new Bullitt, I think Ford has done a great job overall especially the value offered for a car that is very unique. I'm sure they'll sell every last one of them. Another homerun for another Mustang! And if the new Bullitt is not to your liking, just wait for the next models that will be offered. Perhaps the best is yet to come?
When the GT500 came out, my salesman called me to see if I was interested. He was shocked that I wasn't and asked why. I said, "too fat for me!". It made good power, but was almost two tons in weight. No thanks, not interested. A beautiful car, but I just wasn't interested, so I took a pass on it. But they still sold quite well and owners are very happy with them. With every car made, Ford offers you the option of not buying it.
It takes great effort to bring about any car. How many automakers can bring to market a movie car-twice!!? It's a rather large balancing act by any standards and with the new Bullitt, I think Ford has done a great job overall especially the value offered for a car that is very unique. I'm sure they'll sell every last one of them. Another homerun for another Mustang! And if the new Bullitt is not to your liking, just wait for the next models that will be offered. Perhaps the best is yet to come?
Closet American
Joined: July 17, 2005
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From: Vancouver, BC (Hollywood North)
Closet American
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From: Vancouver, BC (Hollywood North)
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Learn the difference.
I'm sure TMS is about more than whinging whingers
Closet American
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From: Vancouver, BC (Hollywood North)
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td id="MainTitle" nowrap="nowrap">whinge
</td> <td style="padding-top: 6pt;" nowrap="nowrap" valign="top" width="100%"> </td><td style="padding-top: 6pt;" valign="top" width="1"> 0.05 sec.</td></tr></tbody></table> whinge <script>play_w("W0119750"
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nj, wnj)intr.v. whinged, whing·ing, whing·es Chiefly British To complain or protest, especially in an annoying or persistent manner.
<hr class="hmshort" align="left">[Dialectal alteration of Middle English <tt>whinsen</tt>, from Old English <tt>hwinsian</tt>.]
<hr class="hmshort" align="left">whing
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whinging·ly adv.
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nj, wnj)intr.v. whinged, whing·ing, whing·es Chiefly British To complain or protest, especially in an annoying or persistent manner.<hr class="hmshort" align="left">[Dialectal alteration of Middle English <tt>whinsen</tt>, from Old English <tt>hwinsian</tt>.]
<hr class="hmshort" align="left">whing
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Closet American
Joined: July 17, 2005
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From: Vancouver, BC (Hollywood North)
RCSignals:
I wanted you to know that I hearby appoint you president of the 'HollywoodNorth_GT Fan Club'.
I was thinking about appointing Whammer, since he seems to be the self-styled "ring leader" of the 'Fearsome Foursome', but instead, I have chosen to appoint you.
Why? Because of your dedication to "truth"; your devotion to "the cause" (spending time looking up my old posts shows true diligence and passion); your conscientious efforts to "spread the word"—both here and elsewhere around web—and, of course, your desire to lavish attention upon me.
Of course, some might think such fannish obsessions constitute a cyber-stalker, but hey, I know your hero worship is sincere.
I wanted you to know that I hearby appoint you president of the 'HollywoodNorth_GT Fan Club'.
I was thinking about appointing Whammer, since he seems to be the self-styled "ring leader" of the 'Fearsome Foursome', but instead, I have chosen to appoint you.
Why? Because of your dedication to "truth"; your devotion to "the cause" (spending time looking up my old posts shows true diligence and passion); your conscientious efforts to "spread the word"—both here and elsewhere around web—and, of course, your desire to lavish attention upon me.
Of course, some might think such fannish obsessions constitute a cyber-stalker, but hey, I know your hero worship is sincere.
Cobra Member
Joined: October 27, 2007
Posts: 1,380
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RCSignals:
I wanted you to know that I hearby appoint you president of the 'HollywoodNorth_GT Fan Club'.
I was thinking about appointing Whammer, since he seems to be the self-styled "ring leader" of the 'Fearsome Foursome', but instead, I have chosen to appoint you.
Why? Because of your dedication to "truth"; your devotion to "the cause" (spending time looking up my old posts shows true diligence and passion); your conscientious efforts to "spread the word"—both here and elsewhere around web—and, of course, your desire to lavish attention upon me.
Of course, some might think such fannish obsessions constitute a cyber-stalker, but hey, I know your hero worship is sincere.
I wanted you to know that I hearby appoint you president of the 'HollywoodNorth_GT Fan Club'.
I was thinking about appointing Whammer, since he seems to be the self-styled "ring leader" of the 'Fearsome Foursome', but instead, I have chosen to appoint you.
Why? Because of your dedication to "truth"; your devotion to "the cause" (spending time looking up my old posts shows true diligence and passion); your conscientious efforts to "spread the word"—both here and elsewhere around web—and, of course, your desire to lavish attention upon me.
Of course, some might think such fannish obsessions constitute a cyber-stalker, but hey, I know your hero worship is sincere.
While reading old posts on background history the '08 Bullitt it was very hard to avoid yours. Legend in your own mind.
Thread Starter
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From: NV
Closet American
Joined: July 17, 2005
Posts: 5,851
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From: Vancouver, BC (Hollywood North)