Bullitt...all show and no go!!

[MS54]

Taken from an article in the Chicago Tribune...so true!!
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Bullitt update

A number of readers called, wrote or e-mailed regarding the review of the Ford Mustang Bullitt (Transportation, June 24), saying that version of the Mustang GT develops 270 to 275 h.p. not the 265 h.p. noted in the test drive.

Some were nice enough to only demand a correction, while others suggested a harsher punishment with the word noose frequently mentioned.

Sorry, but the 265 h.p. number was checked, double-checked and triple-checked and then, after the calls, letters and e-mails, we contacted Ford one more time and the automaker said, yup, the Bullitt develops 265 h.p.

When planning to offer a Bullitt version, Ford had hoped to come up with up to a 275-h.p. version of the 4.6-liter V-8, sources said, but settled for a 5-h.p. increase over the GT's 260 h.p. However, it did increase torque, if only by 5 foot-pounds, from the GT for off-the-line quickness.

Some printed material got into consumers' hands noting the goal of 275 h.p., but, Ford says, it didn't happen.

Also, a number of readers also called, wrote or e-mailed to say that the Mustang in the movie "Bullitt," which prompted Ford to bring out a special edition Mustang to recall the flick's famous chase scene, was a 1967 fastback and not a 1968 as noted.

Sorry again, but not only does Ford say the car in the movie was a 1968, but the owner of one of the two Mustangs used in the movie (one was destroyed in the filming) also was at the preview in San Francisco and he says it's a 1968.

By the way, there are rumors Ford plans another special-edition Mustang for the 2003 model year, its last before a redesign and switch to the same platform as the 2002 Thunderbird.

It reportedly will be a supercharged edition reportedly called Terminator that reportedly will develop 400 h.p. to more than make up for the Bullitt shortfall.