Ford Faqs

The Mustang is continuing to be one of the few bright spots in Ford’s product range, and Dearborn intends to make the most of the reborn ponycar’s popularity. The recently announced 325-horsepower Shelby GT will be joined by two more Mustang variants in 2007-an all-new Bullitt and the long-rumored Boss. The new Bullitt will be the best interpretation of the iconic 1968 390 GT driven by Steve McQueen in the movie that still sets enthusiasts’ pulses racing for its real-world chase sequence through the streets of San Francisco.

Insiders who’ve seen styling mockups report the 2007 Bullitt features a plain grille without galloping pony badge or spotlights and a black-painted panel between the taillights, just like McQueen’s ‘68. Naturally, the car will be available in Highland Green. More significant, though, will be the new Boss, which will introduce Ford’s all-new 5.0-liter Hurricane V-8.

Due late in the year, the limited-edition Boss will get a tuned 425- to 435-horsepower version of the Hurricane, a stripped-down interior (though air-conditioning will be available), and less sound deadening. The idea is to replicate the original Boss Mustang’s race-special feel. Only 1000 cars will be built.

Slightly detuned from Boss spec, the Hurricane will become the regular GT’s engine in 2008, when the Mustang will get a major face-lift. Insiders report every exterior panel is to be changed and updated, with the base cars getting a more aggressive look similar to that of the current Shelby GT500. The GT500, meantime, will become even more extreme looking. An all-new Mustang is due 2010, a year after the new Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger launch.