Last month, we reported that Chevrolet->ke199 announced plans to release a new limited edition Camaro model every six months in an effort to generate buzz and drum up sales and, so far, Chevy has kept its word. In addition to the standard models, we’ve seen a Transformers edition last year, the Synergy Edition this spring, and a commemorative Convertible Pace Car edition, which should go on sale later this year.

Never one to be outdone, Ford->ke31 likely has similar plans to keep the pony wars going and keep the Mustang->ke428 competitive with its arch-rival, the Chevrolet Camaro.

So what are these limited edition models coming out of Dearborn going to be? Well, if history is any indication, then we'll more than likely get a new Mustang Bullitt roaring up and down our streets in the not-so-distant future.

The Mustang Bullitt first appeared as a special edition model on the 2001 Mustang. Paying homage to the legendary ’68 Mustang fastback that Steve McQueen drove in the movie of the same name, the Bullitt featured a lot of retro design cues both inside and out. In terms of performance, the 2001 Bullitt was lowered ¾ of an inch with Tokico shocks, featured the same 13” brakes that were available on the Cobra of that year, and also featured a 5 horsepower boost over the standard GT, putting out a whopping 265 horsepower out of its 4.6L V8.

Hit the jump to learn more about the Ford Bullitt.

History

After a seven-year hiatus, the Bullitt made a return to the Mustang lineup in 2008. As with the first Bullitt, the new one was mostly a trim package, deleting the spoiler and all of the badging. Also, like the first Bullitt, the 2008 was slightly lowered and featuring a modest 15 horsepower bump over the standard 300 horsepower GT.

Exterior

Based on pure speculation, the new Bullitt will likely make its appearance as a limited edition trim package on the 2013 Mustang GT Premium, costing just a bit more than the California Special. Like the Bullitts of yesteryear, the 2013 Bullitt should be available only in its signature Dark Highland Green and black.

The 2013 Bullitt will probably be most notable for its lack of exterior features– it’s supposed to be the “stealth” Mustang, after all. It will likely delete the GT’s signature grill-mounted fog lights, the decklid spoiler, and all of the exterior badging, save for a special edition Bullitt faux gas cap on the trunk. It should also feature the signature American Racing Torq-Thrust style wheels that were on the same Bullitt that Steve McQueen used while escaping the baddies on the streets of San Francisco a touch over four decades ago.

Also likely to appear on the 2013 Bullitt is a slightly different hood than found on the standard GT. Our rendering has small dual-hood scoops, keeping with the “under the radar” theme that the Bullitt is known for. The Bullit may also feature flared fender arches and a touch that we love straight out of 1968: side window louvers, flanked with a pair of side scoops, leading up to the rear wheel wells.

2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt

Interior

The changes over the standard GT won’t just be on the outside. The 2013 Bullitt will likely feature an upgraded interior. The last Bullitt had retro-inspired aluminum trim as well as aluminum shift knobs and pedals. It also took the seats and steering wheel from the GT500 for a slightly more upscale look. Based on the past, the new Bullitt will more than likely have the same interior appointments, but with a more modern feel. It's also likely that interior bits from the Boss 302 should make their way into the Bullitt.

Performance

Now onto the part you’ve all been waiting for: performance. As much as we’d like to say that the 2013 Bullitt would feature a million horsepower, that, frankly, would be a bold-faced lie. The new Bullitt will use the same 5.0L V8 as found in the GT, and it should get a modest horsepower bump through both ECU recalibration and a new exhaust system. Based on speculation, it should be making between 420 and 430 horsepower, that way it wouldn’t be stepping on the Boss 302’s toes too much. Also, expect the Bullitt to feature upgraded brakes in the form of the GT’s Brembo brake package as standard. Lastly, the new Bullitt will ride around almost an inch lower than the standard GT, helping improve both the car's handling and stance.

Closing

With the way Ford’s been lately, there are likely to be a few surprises in the 2013 Mustang Bullitt that we haven’t covered here. For example, who would have thought that the Boss 302 would get a quad-exhaust system? That’s part of the fun though. While we may dream big with our rendering, chances are Ford’s engineers are dreaming bigger.