The Bullitt is back and notice must be paid. Car fans know exactly what the Bullitt is -- the sinister-looking, dark green 1968 Mustang that starred in one of the most famous chase scenes in automotive history, sharing the spotlight with the late Steve McQueen in the movie "Bullitt."

Taking full advantage of the charisma of the original, Ford Motor Co. has introduced a 2008 Mustang Bullitt, a $31,075 replica of the car down to the last bolt. Of course, it's more powerful than the original, with a 4.6-liter, 315-horsepower V-8 -- rated at 15 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway -- and is backed by a five-speed manual transmission.

What does that translate to on the road?

Edmunds.com says you're looking at about 5.1 seconds to 60 mph -- a breathtaking trip all the way.

If the sound of those thundering exhaust pipes doesn't get your blood going, nothing will.

Ford says a specially mastered DVD helped the automaker duplicate precisely the exhaust note on the car in the movie.

Ford's planning a limited production run of 7,700 Mustang Bullitts, which will sell out fast.

Truth to be told, the Bullitt -- along with the other high performance V-8 powered cars -- soon will be few and far between, at least in their current form, because of high gasoline prices and stricter federal standards on fuel economy.

Thus, I have a sneaking suspicion that the next generation Mustang, as well as other performance cars, will rely instead on turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, or more exotic technology that will provide both decent gas mileage and the strong acceleration that many buyers expect.

Bottom line: If you're into V-8 power, you'd better snap these cars up now -- or pay many thousands more for them when they are collector cars in the not so distant future.

The Mustang Bullitt is a Mustang GT with Bullitt accessories, starting with the authentic shade of Dark Highland Green paint used on the original car and gun metal 18-inch wheels. The Bullitt also has a stiffer chassis, special shocks and struts, stronger brakes and the first use of an open element air filter in a factory-built, fuel-injected Mustang. You'll also notice that all insignia and emblems have been stripped off this car, just like on the original.

Inside, you'll find comfortable black leather seats that have tons of support -- and given the performance potential of this car, they'd better. The interior comes in only one color -- black. (Henry Ford once said his cars could come in any color, so long as it was black).

There's lots of aluminum and metal inside, including hand-machined aluminum swirl applique on the dashboard.

The logo and gunsight graphic on the steering wheel identify this car as a Bullitt Mustang.

As for the ride -- better hold on!

The Bullitt's suspension system is sensitive to even the most minor road imperfections, and you really feel it when you come across them.

This is not a car for folks with bad backs, sensitive bones -- or loose dentures! That's a "live" axle back there, and that's a set-up that transmits road issues even under the best of circumstances.

On the other hand, people who buy this car probably won't have worries about the rough ride at the top of their list.

But all that aside, this is a superb muscle car that will be on the shopping list for many enthusiasts.

It's strictly a one-of-a kind car in every sense of the word.