Ford Mustang Bullitt for Oz

It’s not all bad news for Australian Ford fans lamenting not only the lack of fast Falcons but also the upcoming 2019 Shelby Mustang GT500, the GT350 and any 500kW factory Mustangs.

Ford Australia has confirmed Aussies will have access to the limited-edition Mustang Bullitt, which was revealed at January’s Detroit motor show and designed to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Steve McQueen hit, Bullitt.

Beyond confirming the Mustang Bullitt will be available here, Ford Australia has provided no details, although the Ford of Europe did announce basic specs including a 346kW power output for its 5.0-litre V8.

Australia’s output may vary, but that would make the limited-edition, manual-only coupe only slightly more powerful than the upgraded 2018 Mustang GT Fastback (339kW – up 33kW on the top-selling 2017 model) that’s due here by August, accompanied by a $5500 price hike to $62,990.

Ford says the engine upgrade is courtesy of an Open Air Induction System comprising a new intake manifold, 87mm throttle bodies and powertrain control module calibration from the GT350.

What we do know is that European production begins in June and first shipments are due to arrive by the end of this year – potentially in time for the 50th anniversary of the Bullitt movie in October -- priced well under $100,000.

We also know our Bullitt will only be available in Dark Highland Green paint (not Shadow Black, as in Europe and the US), but shoud continue to be completely de-badged and free from spoilers and stripes too.

As we saw at Detroit, other Bullitt features include chrome highlights around the unique black grille and front door windows, a faux Bullitt fuel filler cap and a white cue-ball manual gear knob like the original’s.

Mechanically, there’s a new exhaust, a new throttle-blipping function for rev-matching on downshifts, red Brembo brake callipers from the Mustang GT Performance Pack and unique 19-inch Torq Thrust-style alloy wheels shod with Michelin tyres -- like all 2018 Mustang GTs, which shift from Pirelli rubber.

Other new features include a premium 1000-Watt, 12-speaker B&O PLAY sound system, Recaro sports seats, colour-matched stitching for the seats, centre console and dash, and an individually numbered plaque instead of a Mustang emblem on the passenger-side dashboard.

Ford Australia says the Mustang Bullitt will be available in “strictly limited” numbers via its official dealer network. Build numbers are yet to be revealed, but expect at least a handful to arrive here.

Ford Australia CEO and president Graeme Whickman said the Mustang Bullitt – which takes its name from the film in which McQueen chases two hitment through the streets of San Francisco in a 1968 Mustang GT fastback – will be highly sought-after.

“Steve McQueen as Bullitt created a legend and Mustang Bullitt is the perfect way to salute an icon of the silver screen,” he said.

“We’re excited to offer Australian buyers the Mustang Bullitt, especially on the 50th anniversary of the legendary film.”

Whickman said the Bullitt will be an iconic addition to Ford Australia’s Mustang range, which has been Australia’s top-selling sports car since it arrived here in late 2015.

“We have to be quite honest about it, Mustang has far exceeded our expectations, and for that we hope that the 2018 model – and the arrival of Mustang Bullitt – goes to show that we’re bringing in even more choices, options and flavours to help give customers the Ford Mustang they want.”

The third-generation Mustang Bullitt follows in the footsteps of previous special-edition models in 2001 and 2008. They also offered more powerful engines, Torq Thrust-style wheels and limited exterior paint choices including Dark Highland Green.