It’s a name that sparks excitement among muscle car enthusiasts and racing purists alike: Boss. And now, it seems Ford might be plotting the return of this iconic moniker. A recent trademark filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has reignited hopes that we could see the Mustang Boss badge make its triumphant comeback—potentially as soon as this generation.
Ford’s Boss Mustangs are legendary. Designed by Larry Shinoda and unleashed in 1969, the original Boss 302 was created as a direct response to Chevrolet’s Camaro Z/28 in the ferocious Trans Am racing wars. Its aggressive styling, high-revving V8, and focused performance turned it into a cult classic. By the time the last Boss Mustang rolled off the production line in 2013, it had cemented itself as one of the most beloved performance Mustangs ever built. Now, over a decade later, it looks like Ford is revving up for a revival of the Boss badge—but the question is, in what form?
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The trademark application filed by Ford is broad, covering “motor vehicles, namely, gasoline and electric passenger automobiles, sports cars, pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles and their structural parts.” While this doesn’t confirm a Mustang-specific application, it does suggest that Ford is leaving its options wide open for how the Boss name might be used. The inclusion of pickups and SUVs adds a layer of intrigue. Could we see a Boss trim of the Ford Maverick, Explorer, or even an electrified Mach-E variant? The possibilities are as exciting as they are numerous.
It’s worth noting that this filing doesn’t guarantee production—it’s possible Ford is simply protecting its intellectual property. But given the brand’s history of leveraging nostalgia to create buzz and boost sales (think Bronco, Lightning, and even the Mach-E nameplate), it wouldn’t be surprising if this trademark filing is the precursor to something big.
Assuming a Mustang application is in the cards, the return of the Boss badge would likely honor its roots as a performance-oriented, track-capable machine. With the Mustang GTD recently announced as the most hardcore street-legal Mustang yet, a potential Boss package could slot in as a slightly more accessible option, akin to the 2013 Boss 302. Picture upgraded suspension, a roaring naturally aspirated V8 (or perhaps a hybridized version for modern compliance), unique aerodynamic styling, and throwback design cues paying homage to the Boss Mustangs of yesteryear.
Some enthusiasts are already speculating that a new Boss Mustang could follow in the footsteps of the previous iteration by blending classic styling with advanced track technology. Ford could also reintroduce the famous Laguna Seca edition—a stripped-down, track-ready variant that would push the boundaries of what the next Boss Mustang could be.
What really has fans buzzing is the idea that the Boss name might not be limited to the Mustang. The trademark application’s inclusion of trucks and SUVs opens the door for Boss versions of vehicles like the Bronco or Maverick. Could a Bronco Boss offer a pavement-focused sibling to the Baja-bashing Bronco Raptor? Or perhaps the Maverick Boss could serve as a sportier compact truck option with enhanced power and style.
The Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s electric crossover, could also be a prime candidate. A Mach-E Boss might combine the electric platform’s instant torque with aggressive styling and an homage to the Boss’s rich history, bridging the gap between heritage and innovation.
While the specifics of Ford’s plans remain under wraps, the filing of the Boss trademark is good news for Ford enthusiasts who’ve long hoped for the return of one of the Mustang’s most celebrated badges. Whether it ends up being a traditional Mustang variant, an electrified Mach-E, or even a Boss version of a truck or SUV, the revival of the Boss name is sure to generate plenty of excitement.
Ford has a track record of leveraging its iconic past while pushing boundaries into the future. The return of the Boss badge could be another masterstroke, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge performance to give us something truly special.
For now, it’s a waiting game. But if Ford’s recent successes with reviving beloved nameplates are any indication, a new Boss model—whether it’s for the Mustang, an SUV, or a truck—could be just around the corner. Stay tuned, because 2025 could be the year of the Boss.