On August 8, 1986, the world bid farewell to “Knight Rider,” the beloved TV series that introduced audiences to the high-tech, crime-fighting car known as KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand). Embodied as a modified 1982 Pontiac Trans Am, KITT was more than just a car—it was a symbol of futuristic technology, advanced AI, and the epitome of cool.
The Development of KITT
KITT was the brainchild of customizer Michael Scheffe, who transformed the sleek Pontiac Trans Am into a vehicle brimming with cutting-edge technology and personality. The convertible and super-pursuit versions of KITT were later designed and built by the legendary car customizer George Barris, further enhancing the car’s allure and functionality.
Within the narrative of “Knight Rider,” KITT was designed by the late Wilton Knight, a visionary billionaire who founded the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG) and its parent organization, Knight Industries. According to the 2008 film, Charles Graiman, who created the Knight Industries Three Thousand, also played a significant role in designing the original KITT. Many of KITT’s advanced systems were developed at Stanford University, culminating in an initial production cost of approximately $11,400,000 in 1982.
KITT’s Features and Abilities
KITT was no ordinary car. It was equipped with an array of features that made it nearly indestructible and incredibly versatile. Some of KITT’s most notable abilities included:
- Turbo Boost: Allowed KITT to leap over obstacles and perform incredible jumps.
- Super Pursuit Mode: Enabled KITT to reach speeds far beyond its usual capabilities.
- Ejection Seat: Provided a quick escape for Michael Knight in dangerous situations.
- Molecular Bonded Shell: Made KITT’s body nearly impervious to damage.
- Advanced AI: Voiced by William Daniels, KITT’s AI was capable of intelligent conversation, decision-making, and operating autonomously.
- Scanner: The iconic red light on KITT’s front bumper was not just for show; it was a sophisticated scanning system that could analyze surroundings and detect threats.
KITT’s Evolution and Legacy
After the original series ended, KITT’s legacy continued in various forms. In the 1991 movie “Knight Rider 2000,” KITT’s microprocessor was revived and transferred into the body of the Knight 4000, a modified 1991 Dodge Stealth that bore a resemblance to the Pontiac Banshee prototype. This new iteration aimed to carry forward KITT’s legacy into a new era.
The spin-off series “Team Knight Rider” (1997–1998) saw KITT serving as a shadowy advisor, with a twist: it was revealed that “The Shadow” was actually a hologram operated by KITT. The series introduced the concept of a third KITT existing as a backup, though it was never utilized.
The 2008 film and subsequent reboot series introduced a new KITT, the Knight Industries Three Thousand, housed in a different vehicle with a new microprocessor unit. While the reboot aimed to revamp the original series, it maintained continuity by referencing the original KITT’s designs and parts.
The Enduring Appeal of KITT
KITT remains an iconic figure in television history, not just for its sleek design and advanced technology, but for its role as a character in its own right. The car’s AI, voiced by William Daniels, provided a unique blend of wit, wisdom, and unwavering loyalty to Michael Knight, played by David Hasselhoff.
The image of KITT’s red scanner light and the sound of its voice are etched into the memories of fans around the world. Even decades after the last episode aired, KITT continues to be a symbol of innovation, adventure, and the enduring appeal of “Knight Rider.”
As we celebrate the legacy of KITT, we remember not just a car, but a character that embodied the spirit of heroism and the promise of technology to make the world a better place.
