2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt - Handling - First Test

Where the Bullitt really shines is chassis balance. Ford has had several model years to fiddle with spring rates, damping, tire sizes, anti-roll bars, and other chassis tuneables. But Randle's team has nailed this aspect of the car's persona. The steering is more responsive than the standard GTs. In spite of its live axle, this Mustang doesn't get too riled up over mid-corner bumps. The ride quality is firm without jarring. There's adequate compliance, but it's never mushy, and body motions are well controlled. The Bullitt isn't a lightweight toss-around toy, but rides and handles with a sophistication usually reserved for higher-priced Euro toys.

If there's any area where the Bullitt misfires, it's the tires. We understand the choice of BFGoodrich g-Force T/A mud and snow rubber as an all-weather solution, but they go up in smoke too easily. That means less grip on the skidpad and through our figure-eight test and the need for a tender right foot on the dragstrip. Grippier and/or wider performance compound tires would drop accel times and improve handling numbers. Braking distances are too long as well. While the carbon-metallic front pads proved fade resistant-as they heated up, stopping distances improved an average of two feet over each of five consecutive runs-the 127-foot 60-to-0 number isn't up to snuff for a modern musclecar. Stickier rubber would have made the difference here, too.

Why do people care about this movie, the its hero car, and Steve McQueen? "Mostly, because the chase was so good," says Chad. "There was no computer-generated stuff. They shot it all, right here. The rest of it? I can't explain it. My dad left his mark. It's just cool to be back here in the new version of his car, 40 years after the fact."

The 2008 Mustang Bullitt is well conceived, designed, engineered, and ready to rock. It's crisper, sharper, and a bit quicker than a standard GT. Though not as fast as a GT500, it's better balanced and less expensive. The Green Machine has a classy, stealth look, and a heritage all its own. Ford plans 7000 Bullitts for the U.S. market, and it's likely to be the last special edition dedicated to the movie and the man. Translation: Future collectible.

What would Steve say? According to Chad, "He'd dig it." So do we.