When is the next Ford Mustang Bullitt coming?

Ford is remaining tight-lipped about the possibility of the next Mustang Bullitt – and when or if it will arrive in showrooms.

Industry experts believe it is odds-on there will be a new-generation Ford Mustang Bullitt – given the special edition was included in the previous three generations – but it could be several years away, in the second half of an expected eight-year model cycle.

Based on the arrival timing of the previous generation Ford Mustang Bullitt – so-called after the iconic car-chase movie of the same name, starring Steve McQueen – the next iteration of the special edition could be at least four years away, after the new line-up arrives in local showrooms next year.

That would indicate a timeline of 2028 or beyond. With that in mind, Ford is hopeful Mustang fans will buy the new model when it arrives early next year, and then trade-in to a Bullitt down the road.

As is customary in the sports-car and muscle-car market, special editions are introduced to stimulate sales towards the end of the model cycle.

The global brand manager for the Ford Mustang, Jim Owens, said that while the latest special edition has a new name, that does not mean the company is turning its back on earlier icons.

"We never say never," said Mr Owens. "We've had a lot of derivatives over the years ... and those heritage brands will always be there.

"But when we launched (the new Mustang) we really wanted to go in the future and (that's why) what we chose to invest in technology beyond the engine."

When asked if this meant Ford was ruling out a new version of the Mustang Bullitt, Mr Owens said: "I'm not saying what we're doing in the future. We're always looking and we never say never about anything.

"We're always looking ... to create those future collectibles and that does not rule out heritage names. We are not saying we are ruling them out."