Description
K.I.T.T. is the short name of the Knight Industries Two Thousand, which appeared in the original TV series Knight Rider. K.I.T.T. is an artificially intelligent electronic computer module in the body of a highly advanced, very mobile, robotic automobile. The original K.I.T.T. was a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am and was voiced by William Daniels. In the television show's history, the first K.I.T.T. (Knight Industries Two Thousand) was designed by the late Wilton Knight, a brilliant but eccentric billionaire and founder of the Foundation for Law And Government (FLAG) and its parent Knight Industries.
K.I.T.T. in the original Knight Rider series was physically embodied as a modified 1982 Pontiac Trans Am with numerous special features such as Turbo Boost (which allowed quick bursts of speed or jumping over obstacles), the ability to drive 'himself', a front mounted scanner bar that – among other things – allowed K.I.T.T. to 'see', and 'molecular bonded shell' body armor, portrayed to be invulnerable to diamond headed drills, small arms fire, the impact of thrown objects, and even high speed impact with cinder block wall. The armor could also resist close explosive blasts although a direct hit could cause severe damage. A refit in the 1985 season included the addition of "Super Pursuit Mode" and a convertible top. K.I.T.T. is essentially an advanced supercomputer on wheels. The "brain" of K.I.T.T. is the Knight 2000 microprocessor which is the centre of a "self-aware" cybernetic logic module that allowed K.I.T.T. to think, learn, communicate and interact with humans. He always had an ego that was easy to bruise and displayed a very sensitive, but kind and dryly humorous personality. He also has an in-dash entertainment system that can play music and video, and run various computer programs including arcade games which Michael sometimes indulged in while K.I.T.T. was driving. According to Episode 55, "Dead of Knight", KITT has 1,000 megabits of memory with one nanosecond access time.
K.I.T.T. is powered by the Knight Industries turbojet with modified afterburners and a computer controlled 8-speed turbodrive transmission. Specifications: 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) in 2 seconds, standing to quarter mile (402 m) 4.286 seconds. Electromagnetic hyper-vacuum disc brakes: 14 foot (4.25 m) braking distance (70–0 mph (112–0 km/h)).
The 1/64th scale die-cast model is very detailed. It features K.I.T.T.'s iconic scanner bar. A nice feature of this model is the printed dashboard/console for every release. And, although difficult to see, the overhead console detail is cast into the roof of the vehicle.
The car was also made in 1/43 and 1/18 scale in the Hot Wheels Elite line.
1/64 scale Versions
The K.I.T.T. Knight Industries Two Thousand has come out in the following 1/64 scale versions:
| Col # | Year | Series | Color | Tampo | Base Color / Type | Window Color | Interior Color | Wheel Type | Toy # | Country | Notes / Variations | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 / 247 | 2012 | 2012 New Models 17/50 | Black | Blue & Yellow 'Knight' license plate on rear, detailed interior | Black / Plastic | Tinted (Black) | Beige | Chrome & Black PR5 | V5305 | Malaysia | Base code(s): E02, E03
Also found with MC5 Wheel variation |
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| - | 2012 | Comic- Con exclusive | Gloss Black | Red tampo, Blue and Yellow rear license plate, detailed interior | Black / Metal | Tinted (Black) | Beige | Black DISH | X0586 | Malaysia | Comes in acrylic case with lights/ sfx built in and exclusive SDCC package. | 
|
| - | 2012 | Comic- Con exclusive "K.A.R.R." variant | Gloss Black | Red tampo for scanner (no license plate deco), detailed interior | Black / Metal | Tinted (Black) | Beige | Black DISH | X0586 | Malaysia | Comes in acrylic case with lights/ sfx built in and exclusive SDCC package. |
|
| - | 2013 | Retro Entertainment | Black | Blue & Yellow 'Knight' license plate on rear, detailed interior | Black / Metal | Tinted (Black) | Beige | Silver & Black DISH | X8918 | Malaysia | Base code(s): | 
|
| - | 2013 | Retro Entertainment | Black & Silver | Blue & Yellow 'KARR' license plate on rear, detaild interior | Black / Metal | Tinted (Black) | Beige | Silver & Black DISH | X8929 | Malaysia | Base code(s): E50
See also K.A.R.R. |
|
| 003 / 365 | 2017 | HW Screen Time 10/10 | Black | Red scanner light on front, 'California KNIGHT' license plate on back | Black / Plastic | Tinted (Black) | Beige | Chrome & Black MC5 | DTX38 | Malaysia | Base code(s): J34, J35, J36
Simply named K.I.T.T |
|
| - | 2017 | Replica Entertainment | Black | Blue & Yellow 'Knight' license plate on rear, detailed interior | Black / Metal | Tinted (Black) | Beige | Silver & Black DISH | DWJ74 | Malaysia | Base code(s): |
Elite Line Description
The K.I.T.T. Knight Industries Two Thousand was also released under the Hot Wheels Elite line and designed by Brendon Vetuskey .
1/43 scale Versions
The K.I.T.T. Knight Industries Two Thousand has come out in the following 1/43 scale versions:
| Scale | Year | Series | Color | Base Color / Type | Window Color | Interior Color | Toy # | Country | Notes / Variations | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/43 | 2013 | Cult Classics Collection | Gloss Black | Black / Diecast | Clear | Tan | X5492 | China | 
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1/18 scale Versions
The K.I.T.T. Knight Industries Two Thousand has come out in the following 1/18 scale versions:
Notes: Light up scanner, pop-up headlights, opening doors, hood and trunk. Removable t-tops, flocked interior, ejector seats that also lean forward, tilting rear seat and rotating license plate. Styling details include the "Knight Industries Turbojet engine with modified afterburners", KITT's alpha circuit system, and chassis details based on the "KITT kit" design (not a stock Trans Am).
| Scale | Year | Series | Color | Base Color / Type | Window Color | Interior Color | Toy # | Country | Notes / Variations | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/18 | 2013 | Cult Classics Collection | Gloss Black | Black / Diecast | Clear | Tan | X5469 | China |
| |
| 1/18 | 2014 | Cult Classics Collection | Gloss Black | Black / Diecast | Clear | Tan | BCK00 | With sound module; new shaped nose; new wheels; limited to 2.000 pieces |
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See also
Gallery
