On March 2, we shared news that Ford trademarked the name “Mach 4” and which type of vehicle that could possibly be used on. If that left a bad taste in your mouth, we may have some good news for you. On January 15, 2025, Ford filed a trademark for the name “Boss” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Yes, that may just be a formality and Ford’s way of holding onto a name it wants to use at some point in the future, but let’s consider the more exciting possibilities.
Time could play a factor in all this. Ford has only offered a Boss Mustang twice: 1969-1971 and 2012-2013. The last version featured an enhanced Coyote 5.0-liter V8 that produced 444 horsepower, upgraded aerodynamics, a modified suspension, and beefed-up brakes. The available Laguna Seca Package added unique exterior accents, suspension and aero upgrades, more aggressive tires, and an X-brace in place of the rear seat, all in an effort to make it a better performer on and off the track. That extra power and those tweaks helped the S197 Boss 302 slot in between the GT and Shelby GT500. You could argue that the 12-year gap between the last Boss and now means it’s likely Ford won’t be bringing it back, but think of the Mach 1 and how it returned to the Mustang lineup for 2021 17 years after its New Edge predecessor. And Ford also released three generations of Bullitt models between 2001 and 2020. If this trademark filing leads to a new Boss Mustang, there are reasons why it shouldn’t come as a total surprise.
Positioning might also increase the chances of a new Boss. Currently, Ford offers two Coyote 5.0-liter V8-powered Mustangs: the GT, which pumps out up to 486 horsepower, and the Dark Horse, which has an even 500. The Shelby GT350 and GT350R live on again as Shelby American has brought them in-house for 2025, but they’re not Fords. That means it’s probably safe to assume Shelby will do the same with the next GT500, at least in the near future. Strictly in terms of engine output, there’s a small difference between the base and the more potent V8 Mustangs which, in a way, sets a lower bar for an S650 iteration of the Boss to clear—just another 50 horsepower would help separate it from the GT and Dark Horse. An easy way to blow past that mark would be to supercharge the Coyote, just as Shelby has done with the new 810-horsepower GT350 and 830-plus-horsepower GT350R.
Time will tell if we’re getting worked up over nothing. It’s very possible we are, but there is a chance that a third-generation Boss is coming. There have been similar revivals. Ford is also capable of surprising us. Who knew it would ever make a GT in the same price stratosphere as a Lamborghini or produce the 815-horsepower, 202-mph Mustang GTD?