Every auto enthusiast is keenly aware of the legendary car-chase featured in Steve McQueen’s “Bullitt.” Ford has chosen once again to capitalize on the 1968 Mustang’s role in that now 50-year-old chase scene. The Bullitt edition was last seen in 2008 and 2009 and was available in Dark Highland Green or Black paint and featured a pony-less grille. The 2019 Mustang Bullitt repeats those distinctions but now features more power and equipment. Ford projects that the 5.0L V8 will have at least 475 hp and top 163 mph. The Bullitt comes standard with the GT Premium Content and adds the 12-inch digital instrument cluster and active valve performance exhaust with black NitroPlate finish. Expect the Bullitt to hit the streets in summer 2018. And in case you are wondering, yes, there is a manual transmission with a classic white cue-ball styled shift-knob.
In its continued efforts to reinvent itself after diesel-gate, VW brings us a fully redesigned Jetta. Once simply a VW Golf with a tacked on trunk, the Jetta has continued to distance itself from its hatchback brother. The new Jetta looks significantly different than the outgoing car, adopting a 6-window greenhouse, wide grille, and clam-shell shaped hood faintly reminiscent of the original Beetle. While this is the 7th generation Jetta, the 6th generation that bowed for the 2011 model year was met with criticism that the VW-ness was gone. The interior was panned for being low grade without even the availability of genuine leather while the rear suspension lost its multi-link setup on the base car. This 7th generation appears to partly be a return to form, with a full array of eight interior colors and combinations, a personalized gauge cluster, and gimmicky ambient lighting. A manual transmission remains available, though only on the base trim level. The torsion beam rear suspension returns, however, after having been eliminated later in the 6th generation’s product cycle. Power is derived from a 1.4L turbo with an underwhelming 147 hp but respectable 184 lb.-ft. of torque. With the car being 1.3 inches longer than the outgoing model, we expect that powertrain to be very mild mannered. In a market obsessed with crossovers it will be interesting to see if this nearly mid-size sedan will help bolster VW’s sales.
The Hyundai Veloster has always stood out from the crowd, defying convention in the compact car market. In its first redesign the two-and-a-half door hatchback keeps what makes it unique. Powertrains range from a 2.0L 4-cylinder mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic, to a 1.6L turbo 4 cylinder mated to a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. No power output is reported for the 2.0L but the 1.6L turbo squeezes out just over 200 hp. With manual transmissions available on both engine options the Veloster continues to pursue the purist enthusiast. Hyundai’s big news is its “N” performance package. The Veloster N cranks the power up to 275 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque out of just two liters. The 6-speed manual in the N features an automatic rev-matching system and transfers power through an electronic limited-slip differential. Visually the N is differentiated by red rocker panel and front fascia trim. The interior of the N receives cloth sport seats and unique steering wheel. Expect to see the Veloster N in the fourth quarter of 2018.
