Many years ago, actor Steve McQueen drove a 1968 Mustang GT 390 through the streets of San Francisco in hot pursuit of the bad guys in a Dodge Charger in the movie "Bullitt". Though the car chase was only 8 minutes long, it is remembered as one of the best car chases in movie history. McQueen, a skilled amateur racing driver, did most of the driving, and the dark green Mustang GT 390 he drove became an icon for many car enthusiasts.
In an effort to recapture the magic of that car, Ford introduced a mildly modified 2001 Mustang GT with some of its familiar styling features, such as the American Racing alloy wheels and a special Dark Island Green paint - the "Bullitt". This Mustang boasts distinctive styling. It won't be mistaken for anything else. It makes a statement. The Mustang has only two true competitors as the US sports coupe, the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird.
260 bhp V-8 with loads of torque
The 2001 Ford Mustang GT is a fantastic vehicle if you are looking for performance and exterior looks. The 4.6 liter V-8 generates 260 bhp and will get you from 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds - not supercar performance but pretty good for a muscle car. The car is nimble and quick, and has abundant power particularly when you reach 4,000 rpm. Even at speeds in excess of 120 mph, the only telltale sign of your blistering pace will be the rapidly dwindling fuel gauge.
Handling is pretty good for a car of this type, and the 17 inch tires grip the road like glue. The beam rear axle limits traction and low speed cornering performance, and gives a poor ride, though. Braking is good.
Made to look like the original Mustang
The 2001 Mustang design picked up several important styling cues from the 1964-66 original, but executes them in a rounder way. The rear fender air intake had sharp corners and pronounced lines; but the rocker panels curve out, and the fenders had pronounced front and rear wheel arches. The front end featured wraparound complex reflector headlamps with integrated side marker lamps, combined with a square-edged honeycomb grille and a chrome pony.
Tricolor front fender badges recall the good old days, as did the prominent but non-functional hood scoop. The GT models had different hood and side-scoop treatments, along with fog lights and a rear spoiler.
Soft top model
The Mustang's body is supple and clearly reflects the muscle underneath the hood. The convertible top fits snugly when raised, and when lowered, the Mustang is a real beauty. Wind noise is only a mild inconvenience with the top down.
This Mustang had better seats than before, with longer travel, and seatbelts are attached to the seat frames so they move with them. All models feature reclining bucket seats. Leather upholstery is standard in the Premium GT. Running horses embossed on the upper portions of the seat backrests recall the deluxe "pony" interior of the mid-Sixties. The instrument panel, center console and headliner are color-keyed
Even though many Americans drive a Mustang, you will still be sure to turn heads in your GT, and more importantly, will be able to rocket down the highway at unbelievable speeds. All and all, there is but one true American muscle car - the Mustang GT! But it is now moving over for the new Mustang - same basic layout, but sleeker, and with more power.
