FORUM
The “Red” Bullitt
In May 2012 Hoondog and IMBOC took delivery of the Engineering prototype used by Ford to develop the 2008 Bullitt. Kurt Andersson, Greg Autry and Paul Rocha exchanged the check for the keys at the Ford Dearborn test track. Nick Terzes provided a last run around the skid pad prior to the handover. This is the first time since 2006 that Ford has let a private club purchase a prototype vehicle. We are honored that Ford gave us this opportunity. Future plans for the vehicle are to feature it at Hoondog events to assist in raising funds for our charities.
VP Bullitt
VIN # 1ZVHT82HX85100002 Vehicle Engineering Development (VP stands for “Verification Prototype.”) For small program like Bullitt, this was the first prototype build used to verify that the car performs as designed/ engineered. Built at AAI as a 2007 GT manual transmission coupe VP Bullitt build completed within the AAI complex (Approximately 5 or 6 units built off the main assembly line.) Built in the same location as the Boss prototype builds. Hardware added at this time included early version of AIS, beta-version exhaust, grille, some early chassis hardware, and Bullitt faux gas cap w/ camo cover. The interior remained stock GT premium with tan leather seats, and IUP dash/cluster until the black and red Gt500 seats and steering wheel were added later. There absolutely no production “BULLITT” parts on the car, they are all prototype. Some are pre-production (prototype tooled,) but nothing is a true production representative. Delivered to Mustang vehicle engineering team: NVH (primary user), Vehicle Dynamics, Performance and some other users. Primary engineering sign-off car – used for large portion of final vehicle engineering data collection and all final management sign-off events Shipped to San Francisco to support media reveal (marketing used to evaluate the route from San Fran to Pebble Beach ahead of the journalists.) Post-Bullitt Engineering life included 2010 GT Track Pack development w/ Vehicle Dynamics and was an engineering reference car. It also spent several winters in AZ during 2010/2011 for winter development. |