To this day, it is one of the most wanted vehicles on TV
A cultural icon of the 1980s, the action and science fiction TV series Knight Rider was created by Glen A. Larson and originally aired between 1982 and 1986.
The plot revolves around Michael Long, a former police officer who, after being ambushed and betrayed by his partner, is shot in the face and left disfigured. Presumed dead, he is rescued by millionaire Wilton Knight, who takes him to his mansion.
There, the country’s best plastic surgeon, Dr. Ralph Wesley, attempts to save him from imminent death. After reconstructing his face, he is given the name Michael Knight, while Michael Long is officially declared dead.
With his new identity, Michael Knight is recruited by the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG) to fight crime. Given a new purpose, he receives a futuristic car built with a molecular alloy that makes it indestructible.
The car, fireproof and bulletproof, is equipped with the computer K.I.T.T. (Knight Industries Two Thousand), which controls all the car’s functions and even talks.
What is the original model of the car in Knight Rider?
Adapted with artificial intelligence and a wide range of technological capabilities, the iconic and memorable car is Michael’s main and most efficient tool to overcome all obstacles and missions he receives.
Long before leading the lifeguard team in Baywatch, the acclaimed actor David Hasselhoff was responsible for driving the enviable car in Knight Rider. In the role of vigilante Michael Knight, he fought crime aboard KITT.
The vehicle was a 1982 Pontiac Trans-Am, customized by George Barris, a successful mechanic in the field responsible for the Batmobile (Batman) and the Black Beauty (Green Hornet).
KITT was equipped with flamethrowers, smoke bombs, and infrared devices. It could also reach 300 miles per hour and even talk. The voice used was that of actor William Daniels.
Knight Rider was so ahead that, years later, the automotive industry adopted some ideas shown in the series, such as the car with an onboard computer and artificial intelligence that practically talks to the driver.
Plot and Reception
Each episode of Knight Rider generally follows a pattern where Michael Knight receives a mission from FLAG to help people in danger or solve crimes that the police could not.
The adventures often involve car chases, action scenes, and confrontations with villains. The series stood out for its bold combination of futuristic technology and action. From the moment it aired, KITT is considered one of the most iconic cars on television.
Attracting fans, Knight Rider has been adapted over the years and was an inspiration for spin-offs and revivals of other plots.
Knight Rider 2000
Released in 1991, the film was directed by Alan J. Levi and starred David Hasselhoff. The film features some scenes from the original series and includes a special appearance by Richard Basehart.
The project is a sequel to the 1980s TV series and was set in the future, specifically in 2000. The plot deals with a society where firearms have been banned, and the former police officer Michael Knight is called back into action to help combat a new type of emerging crime.
Team Knight Rider
In 1997, ten years after the end of Knight Rider, the series Team Knight Rider premiered, a spin-off based on the original plot.
Involving even more technology, the story continues the tradition of the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG), but this time with a team of five agents and their advanced vehicles, all equipped with artificial intelligence.
The main premise is the missions of this team as they combat various threats and crimes using their special skills and cutting-edge technology.
The team leader and former CIA agent, Kyle Stewart (Brixton Karnes), is the show’s protagonist. His vehicle is a Ford Expedition with artificial intelligence, specializing in strategic combat, named Dante.
Jenny Andrews (Christine Steel), second in command and a hand-to-hand combat specialist, drives a Ford Mustang convertible combining speed with espionage capabilities, also known as Domino.
The team also includes Duke DePalma (Duane Davis), a former police officer whose vehicle is Beast, a Ford F-150 with robust strength and durability; Erica West (Kathy Trageser), an ex-thief and infiltration specialist who rides Kat, a Suzuki motorcycle that can split into two parts for greater agility; and Kevin “Trek” Sanders (Nick Wechsler), a technology genius and gadget specialist. His vehicle is Plato, a Ford Explorer with advanced communication capabilities.
The spin-off aired for only one season, ending in 1998 with 22 episodes.
Knight Rider (2008)
In 2008, the remake titled Knight Rider premiered. Starring actor Justin Bruening, the series aired for just one season, ending the following year with 19 episodes produced.
The project included the film Knight Rider (2008) as its pilot episode and featured a special appearance by David Hasselhoff reprising his iconic role as Michael Knight.
Among the new features regarding the cars, Knight Rider (2008) introduced nanotechnology, which allows the car to change shape, color, and self-repair; Attack Mode, transforming into a more robust and armed version; Stealth Mode, making the vehicle invisible to radar and other detection systems; and Advanced Artificial Intelligence, capable of making complex decisions and interacting more humanly with its partners.
With the challenging mission of following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the series attempted to capture the essence of the original while updating its elements for a new generation.
Although it gained a loyal audience, the production received mixed reviews and struggled to stand out in the television market, resulting in a single-season release.
