For those who do not know, K.I.T.T. is the short name of two fictional characters from classic 1980s NBC action show “Knight Rider“.
KITT is an artificially intelligent electronic computer module in the body of a highly advanced, very mobile, robotic automobile: the original KITT as a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am.
KITT was voiced by actor Michael Daniels in the original series. KITT – a supercomputer on wheels – had the ability to drive itself and interact with humans, including its driver.
The series was originally broadcast on NBC from 1982 to 1986. The show stars David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight, a high-tech modern crime fighter assisted by KITT, an advanced artificially intelligent, self-aware and nearly indestructible car.
Interesting, The headline act is of course autonomous driving. KITT called the features Cruise modes, and they have an almost spooky similarity with what has really come to pass in driver assistance and self-driving. Michael Knight (the Hoff) drives in KITT’s normal cruise mode, but if the car senses anything abnormal, it steps in to keep out of trouble.
Anyway, this TV series was an inspiration for many custom car tuners who wanted to have a car just like the Michale Knight in the TV series. The car used as KITT in the series was a customized 1982 Pontiac Firebird sports model, that cost US$100,000 to build (equivalent to about $245,000 in 2014). Nose, dash and other interior of the car were designed by the design consultant Michael Scheffe.
One user of the Vimeo service has uploaded an interesting video showing the Saab 9-5 NG that has been customized so it looks like the new Knight Rider:
We have to admit, it looks interesting, especially a rear Brake light in Kinight Rider scanner style.
Update
Peter Zachrisson, the former owner of this car, who made these changes, has just send to us some photos of his customisation. Thanks to Peter:
