Drivers Log.(News)(Product/service evaluation)

RAYNAL: I'm sure that if it hasn't happened already, it will very soon: All 7700 Mustang Bullitts will be sold. Recall that it took only a couple of months to sell all 5000 of the '01 Bullitts.

I like Mustang GTs, and I like this new Bullitt-so much more than that last version, too. I like the car's understated looks-no god-awful scoops or spoilers hanging off it, nothing overly shiny. The '01 car came with a bunch of embellishments not true to the movie car, and for which I didn't much care, such as the shiny fuel door and red brake calipers-and especially the rear decklid spoiler. Ick.

This new Bullitt also comes with 15 hp more than a regular GT, but that's inconsequential, as I can't feel them and they probably would barely register on timing lights. More important is that the Bullitt, like all GTs, relies on an old-school setup-honkin', sweet-sounding V8, live rear axle, overboosted steering, etc.-and it drives that way. In other words, there's plenty of tire-spinning power but only so-so road manners when you throw in a few thousand early-spring Detroit potholes. Crumbling pavement or no, it's fun to squirt in and out of traffic, and the thing is a rocket on the freeway. Just drop 'er down a gear and take off.

It's all good as far as I'm concerned. I wouldn't want Ford to change a thing. Okay, a bit more power certainly would be welcome, but it's still a great package overall.

WONG: I'm not usually a fan of the constant stream of special-edition Mustangs that Ford releases to try to keep the model line "fresh,'' but the Bullitt hits all the right cylinders for me. As Raynal pointed out, there are no garish exterior fixings anywhere. Instead, Ford kept things really low-key to retain the stealthy look of Steve McQueen's, er, Frank Bullitt's car. ...