KITT

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KITT (an acronym for Knight Industries Two Thousand) is the name of a fictional computer that controls the high-tech Knight 2000, a black Pontiac Trans Am T-top automobile in the science fiction television series Knight Rider. The show stars David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight and was produced in the 1980s. The voice for KITT was provided by St. Elsewhere and 1776 star William Daniels, who requested that he not be credited for his work.

1 History
2 List of KITT's features
3 Other equipment
4 Trivia
5 See also
6 External Links
7 References

[edit] History

Knight Industries 2000 replica

In the television show's fictional history, KITT was said to have been designed by the late Wilton Knight, a brilliant but eccentric billionaire and founder of the "Foundation for Law and Government", (commonly shortened to "FLAG"), and its parent the Knight Foundation.

KITT's main cybernetic processor was first installed in a mainframe computer used by the United States government in Washington D.C..^[1] However, Wilton saw better use for "him" in the Foundation's crime-fighting crusade and eventually the system was installed in the vehicle. KITT was in fact the second vehicle built by Knight Industries with artificial intelligence. His predecessor was KARR, (the Knight Automated Roving Robot). KARR was programmed for self-preservation, but this proved to be dangerous for the Foundation's interests. KARR was later deactivated and placed in storage while KITT was given to his new operator, Michael Knight (the new identity of Michael Long).

Unlike KARR, KITT is programmed primarily to protect Michael at all cost as well as all human life (referring to Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics). This is made clear in the pilot episode where Michael asks Devon Miles if KITT will protect anyone driving it. Devon's answer is that KITT's primary function is the preservation of human life, and Michael's in particular.

KITT is loaded with special features such as the commonly-used Turbo Boost, which allows quick bursts of speed or jumping over obstacles. KITT could also drive himself, but perhaps his most distinct and recognizable aspect was his front mounted scan bar which, among other things, allowed KITT to "see". KITT's body panels were coated with an advanced "molecular bonded shell" armor coating which would resist conventional weapon fire as well as most artillery and explosive blasts although a strong direct hit by those attacks could cause severe damage.

KITT underwent a major modification during a refit in 1985 which included the addition of "Super Pursuit Mode" and a convertible top.

[edit] List of KITT's features

Knight Industries 2000 replica

Interior of a Knight Industries 2000 replica which features the third season dashboard design.

Interior of a Knight Industries 2000 replica

KITT had many features, most of which had an activation button associated with them that were on panels mounted on either side of the steering wheel or on a console mounted on the ceiling of the interior. Many of these button functions seem to change around, appearing and disappearing, or rearranging from episode to episode. Some were used once and never seen again.

Some of KITT's features include the following:

Computer AI - KITT was essentially an advanced supercomputer on wheels. The "brain" of KITT was the Knight 2000 microprocessor which is the center of a "self-aware" cybernetic logic module that allowed KITT to think, learn, communicate and interact with humans. Although KITT wasn't programmed to have feelings, he always had an ego that was easy to bruise and displayed a very sensitive personality. The system was programmed to drive the car better than a human operator could. 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 whenever KITT was driving. The belief that KITT was truly sentient was never discussed in the show, however KITT was fully aware of himself and programmed to obey all orders given to him by his human creators, so long as they didn't violate his prime directive of protecting human life (especially Michael's) to the best of his abilities. KITT has, however been referred to as being "alive" in at least one episode. According to Episode 55, "Dead of Knight", KITT's reaction time is one nanosecond, and his "memory" capacity is 1,000 megabits. For the latter, it is uncertain whether or not active RAM or Hard Drive space was being discussed. According to Episode 65, "Ten Wheel Trouble", KITT's future capacity is unlimited. Currently capable of 50,000,000 k with the ability to grow by 1,000,000 k daily. It's uncertain what unit these numbers are in, and whether or not this is RAM or Hard Drive space.

Alpha Circuit - KITT's "Alpha Circuit" is mentioned quite a bit throughout the series, however its function was never clearly explained. It is most likely part of KITT's main control system which allows the CPU to drive the car. All that is really known is that the system is vulnerable to damage, (having been damaged when KITT towed a small hatchback in Episode 3, "Deadly Maneuvers"), which hinders KITT's performance in several ways. When KARR was encountered a second time, the time he spent submerged in water damaged his Alpha Circuit which required KARR to have an operator to control his Turbo Boost function. KARR crashed into the Knight Transport vehicle, in an attempt to find new "Alpha Capacitors" to fix the problem, but his driver stole KITT's experimental defensive laser system instead; a prize KARR felt was better than fixing his control systems.

Molecular Bonded Shell - KITT is armored with "Tri-Helical Plasteel 1000 MBS" (Molecular Bonded Shell) plating which protects him from almost all forms of conventional firearms and explosive devices. He could only be harmed by heavy artillery and rockets, and even then, the blast usually left most of his shell intact and only damaged internal components. The shell protected every part of the car including the tires. KITT could even act as a shield for explosives by driving over bombs and suppressing the blast. The shell also protected him from fire and electricity, however it was vulnerable to some potent acids and at least one formula was made to completely neutralize the shell. It is also shown that long exposure to seawater can weaken the shell as in the case of KARR. The shell is actually a combination of three secret substances referred together as the "Knight Compound", developed by Wilton Knight who entrusted parts of the formula to three separate people. These individuals only know two pieces of the formula, ensuring that any two of them could make more of the Knight Compound in an emergency situation and that no one person would be able to make it. The shell provided a frame tolerance of 223,000 lb (111.5 tons) and a front and rear axle suspension load of 57,000 lb (28.5 tons).

Pyroclastic Lamination - KITT is protected by a thermal-resistant coating that can withstand sustained temperatures of up to 800 degrees. First used in Episode 32, "Ring of Fire".

Power System - KITT is powered by the Knight Industries turbojet with modified afterburners and a computer controlled 8-speed turbodrive transmission. Specifications 0–60 mph in 2 seconds, standing to quarter mile 4.286 seconds. Electromagnetic hyper-vacuum disc brakes: 14 foot braking distance (70–0 mph).

Turbo Boost - Used at least once in every episode, a series of rear mounted undercarriage rocket motors allows KITT to accelerate to incredible speeds in excess of 200 mph. When activated in combination with the Trajectory Guidance System and a pair of rocket motors mounted just behind the front tires that lifted the front of the car, KITT could jump 40 feet into the air and pass over obstacles in the road. The system also allowed KITT added power whenever he had to maneuver heavy objects such as pushing a heavy boulder off a cliff, or pulling a large vehicle out of danger. The boosters could fire forward or backward.

Voice Synthesizer - KITT's Voice Synthesizer allowed his logic module to speak and communicate. With it, KITT could also simulate other sounds, such as a police raid to fool criminals or a wild animal's growl, useful for scaring away a too-friendly animals intending to pee on his tires. KITT's primary spoken language was English, however by accessing his language module, he could speak fluently in Spanish and French. The module can be adjusted giving KITT different accents such as in Episode 82, "Out of the Woods", where KITT uses a "New York City" accent and called Michael, "Micky". During the first season, KITT's "mouth" in the interior of the vehicle was a flashing red square. In later seasons, this was changed to three sectioned vertical bars, as this design proved popular with fans as part of KARR.

Anamorphic Equalizer - KITT's most apparent feature was his front scan bar called the Anamorphic Equalizer. The device is a fiber-optic array electronic eyes. The scanner could see in all visual wavelengths as well as X-Ray and infrared. When KITT's surveillance mode was active, the bar would light up and make an ominous swooping sound as it panned left and right. Occasionally, the bar could pulse in different patterns and sweep rapidly or very slowly. The scan bar is also KITT's most vulnerable area. In an attempt to stop KARR, Bonnie rigged a laser that could penetrate KARR's sensor and disable his electronics.

Etymotic Equalizer - This system allowed KITT to hear sound. An array of audio sensors were threaded throughout his interior and exterior.

Olfactory Sensor - KITT could "smell" via an atmospheric sampling device mounted in his front bumper.

Microscanners - Microscanners are tiny audio and visual sensors embedded into the grooves of KITT's body. They allow for visual tracking and display of anything around the car.

Cruise Modes - These are KITT's three drive modes:
- Normal Cruise - On "Normal", Michael had control of the car. In an emergency, KITT could still take over and activate Auto Cruise mode. In order to prevent this, one has to use the Manual Override. In the show's fourth season, the word "Cruise" was dropped and indicated simply by the word "Normal".
- Auto Cruise - In "Auto", KITT could drive himself utilizing an advanced Auto Collision Avoidance system.
- Pursuit - "Pursuit" is used during high-speed driving and is a combination of manual and computer assisted operation. KITT could respond to road conditions faster than Michael's reflexes could however Michael was technically in control of the vehicle and KITT helped guide certain maneuvers.

Computer Override - KITT has a hidden switch and setting dial under the dash that either completely shuts down his AI module or deactivates certain systems should the need arise. First used in Episode 17, "Chariot of Gold".

Manual Override - KITT has a function which can be activated in order to completely lock the AI from all the vehicle controls. Unlike the Computer Override, Manual Override simply keeps KITT from activating Auto Cruise or preventing anyone inside the car from doing something that would probably hurt them. KITT's AI is still able to protest such actions vocally. First used in Episode 8, "Trust Doesn't Rust".

Police Lights/Siren - KITT's headlights can flash red and blue as police lights, and he has a siren. First used in Episode 38, "Race for Life".

Silent Mode - KITT could run silently. The feature dampened his engine noise and allow him to sneak around. First used in Episode 37, "White-Line Warriors".

Grappling Hook and Winch - KITT has a hidden winch and grappling hook system, one mounted under his front bumper, and another in a compartment behind his tail light plate. Most often the hook is connected by a strong cable, but a metal arm has also been seen. The grappling hook is first used in Episode 6, "Not a Drop to Drink"; the winch is first used in Episode 13, "Forget Me Not".

Parachute - KITT is equipped with a parachute. First used in Episode 23, "Goliath Returns (Pt. 1)".

Oil Jets/Smoke Screen - KITT could spray an oil slick and a plume of smoke from under the rear bumper. First used in Episode 1, "Knight of the Phoenix".

Flame Thrower - KITT has flame throwers mounted under his bumpers. First used in Episode 2, "Deadly Maneuvers".

Tear Gas Launcher - KITT can dispense a cloud of tear gas along with his smoke screen. First used in Episode 13, "Hearts of Stone".

Ultramagnesium Charges - KITT can launch magnesium flares, which can also be used to divert heat-seeking missiles fired at him. First used in Episode 26, "Merchants of Death".

High Traction Drop Downs - When activated the HTDD system hydraulically raises KITT's chassis for better traction when driving off-road. First used in Episode 39, "Speed Demons".

Traction Spikes - When activated KITT's tires would have spikes coming out in order for KITT to drive up steep off-road hills. First used in Episode 86, "Hills of Fire".

Telephone Comlink - Michael could contact home base and communicate with Devon and others using KITT's video display.

Microwave Jammer - KITT has an electronic jamming system that played havoc on electrical systems. The three main components are the Electromagnetic Field Generator, Electronic Field Disrupter and Microwave Ignition Sensor. The system could take control of electronic machines, allowing things like cheating at slot machines, breaking electronic locks, fouling security cameras, and withdrawing money from ATMs. The most common usage was to knock out the electronics systems of a fleeing vehicle where he could disable the engine and activate the brakes. In some episodes, KITT is even capable of using it to magnetize and manipulate non-electronic objects such as a mechanical combination lock and create "poltergeist" activity, moving random objects to frighten people. First used in Episode 9, "Inside Out".

Surveillance Mode - Surveillance Mode did several things:
- KITT could detect people and vehicles and track their movements and discern proximity
- KITT could gather structural schematics of buildings, vehicles, or other devices and help Michael avoid potential danger when he was snooping.
- KITT could also monitor radio transmissions and telephone communications within a location and trace those calls.
- KITT could tap into computer systems to monitor, or upload and download information as long as he could break the access codes.

Infrared Tracking Scope - KITT could monitor the position of specific vehicles in the area within 10 miles. For instance, if Michael wanted to know the location of every police vehicle within 5 miles, KITT could display a schematic on his monitors of all police vehicles relative to his position.

Laser Powerpack - KITT can fire a high powered ultra-frequency modulated laser capable of burning through steel plating. Like most of KITT's components, the schematics for the laser device are classified. First used in Episode 24, "Goliath (Pt.2)".

Bomb Sniffer - KITT is equipped with a bomb sniffer module that can detect explosives within a few yards of the vehicle. First used in Episode 25, "Brother's Keeper".

Medical scanner - KITT has a medical scanner that includes an electrocardiographic (ECG). The medical scanner can monitor the vital signs of individuals and display them on his monitors. It could indicate such conditions as if they were injured, poisoned, undergoing stress or other emotional behavior. KITT could even monitor Michael's physical activity through sensors inside the driver seat. First used in Episode 1, "Knight of the Phoenix (Pt.2)".

Deflatable Tires - KITT could deflate and reinflate his tires. First used in Episode 4, "Slammin' Sammy's Stunt Show Spectacular".

Fuel Processor - KITT was powered by a turbine engine primarily fueled by hydrogen gas. However, his complex fuel processor allows him to run on any combustible liquid, even regular gasoline. KITT's actual fuel requirements and efficiency ratings were classified, however in one episode, KITT mentioned his fuel economy was at least 100 miles per gallon. However, when operating on fuels other than liquid hydrogen, KITT's fuel efficiency and power output may be lowered.

Self-Tinting Windows - KITT's windows could darken to opacity for various situations. First used in Episode 14, "Give Me Liberty... or Give Me Death".

Voice Stress Analyzer - KITT can process spoken voices and determine if someone may be lying. First used in Episode 26, "Merchants of Death".

Auto Doors, Sunroof, and Trunklid - KITT could automatically open and close his doors and T-tops. He could also lock his doors to prevent unauthorized entry into his driver compartment. He could also open his hood automatically.

Rotating License Plate - KITT can rotate his KNIGHT license plate to reveal a fictitious one reading "KNI 667". Michael used this to evade police when an APB was placed on him. First used in Episode 25, "Brother's Keeper".

Seat Ejection System - KITT had two front ejection seats, mostly used when Michael needed a boost to fire escapes or building roof tops. First used in Episode 1, "Knight of the Phoenix (Pt. 1)".

Passive Laser Restraint System - Added to KITT in later seasons, the restraint system helped protect Michael and any passengers from the shock of sudden impacts and hard stopping, especially after Super-Pursuit Mode. It is speculated that this is a primitive form of inertial dampening device. First used in Episode 47, "Knight of the Drones".

Video Display Monitors - KITT had two CRT video display monitors on his dash for various readouts. They are controlled by two systems, the Graphic Translator (which sketches likenesses from verbal input) and the Anamorphic Equalizer (which gathered visual information from KITT's front scan bar) and microscanners. KITT only had one when his dash was redesigned for the show's third season.

Computer Print Out - KITT could print hard copies of data on a dashboard-mounted printer. First used in Episode 15, "The Topaz Connection".

Ultraphonic Chemical Analyzer - KITT has a retractable tray with an electron scanner that could analyze the chemical properties of various materials. It could even scan fingerprints and read ballistic information off bullets and compare these with a police database. Aside from the scanning tray, the system could also analyze chemical information gathered from KITT's exterior sensors. First used in Episode 17, "Chariot of Gold".

Fire Extinguisher - KITT could put out small fires from a CO₂ sprayer in his bumpers.

Interior Oxygenator - KITT could release oxygen into his driver compartment and provide air to passengers if he was ever submerged in water or buried in earth. This is also used to overcome the effects of certain drugs. First used in Episode 4, "Slammin' Sammy's Stunt Show Spectacular".

Two-Wheel Ski Drive - The Ski Mode setting allowed KITT to "ski" (driving up on two wheels). First used in Episode 1, "Knight of the Phoenix".

Aquatic Synthesizer - With this system, KITT can hydroplane, effectively "driving" on water, using his wheels and turbo system for propulsion. First used in Episode 28, "Return to Cadiz".

Sub Zero - KITT could release cryogenic gases and "flash freeze" the driver compartment. This was used once when a baby tiger managed to get inside to gnaw on his steering wheel and KITT wanted him out. First used in Episode 66, "Knight in Retreat".

Sleep Gas - KITT could spray a gas into the driver compartment that could render an unwanted occupant unconscious.

Vacuum - KITT could expend all breathable air from the driver compartment, however, only KARR ever used it to harm someone. KITT used this to rid the compartment of smoke after bombs were detonated in his trunk.

Super-Pursuit Mode - KITT's Super-Pursuit mode was added at the start of the fourth season. It was the result of a redesign of the car to integrate new concepts consisting of improved rocket boosters, retractable spoilers for aerodynamic stability, and movable air inlets for increased cooling. Super Pursuit Mode provided a 40% boost in speed beyond the car's original top speed of 300 MPH. First used in Episode 70, "Knight of the Juggernaut".

Emergency Braking System - The EBS slowed KITT down from Super-Pursuit speeds. It consisted of a forward breaking booster and air panels that popped out to create air friction. First used in Episode 70, "Knight of the Juggernaut".

Convertible Roof - Added fourth season, by pressing the "C" button on KITT's dash, Michael could bring the top down and KITT became a convertible. First used in Episode #70, "Knight of the Juggernaut".

Total production cost: $11,400,000 estimated in 1982. (This was KITT's total construction cost as he was first built in 1982. The cost of subsequent equipment improvements and the installation of additional features since his activation have not been factored.)

[edit] Other equipment

Comlink - KITT is in constant contact with Michael via a two-way Casio communication wristwatch Michael wore. The watch also had a micro camera and scanner that KITT could access to gather information.

Homing Device - In dire emergency, Michael can activate a secret homing beacon hidden inside a gold pendant he wears around his neck. The beacon sends a priority signal that can remotely activate KITT and override his programming so that he rushes to Michael's aid. First used Episode 42, "A Good Knight's Work".

Knight Industries Mobile Unit (The Semi) - KITT has access to a mobile "garage", sometimes referred outside the show as "The Rook", which was a semi-trailer truck owned by the Foundation. The mobile unit usually roamed somewhere near Michael's location. The trailer has an extendible ramp that dropped down and allows KITT to drive inside even when the truck is in motion. The trailer was loaded with spare parts and equipment for KITT. It also had a computer lab where technicians Bonnie or April would work and conduct repairs and maintenance. At the front of the trailer is a small office area. During early episodes, the trailer was plain white. In later episodes, it was painted black with a gold stripe and a gold Knight chess piece emblem.

[edit] Trivia

When asked about KITT's whereabouts, David Hasselhoff indicates that, like Roy Rogers did to Trigger, KITT is now stuffed and mounted in Hasselhoff's living room. In actual fact, the car used became Hasselhoff's personal property at the end of production and was sold into a private collection in 1992.^{[citation needed]} The original KITT can be seen at the Cars of the Stars Motor Museum in Keswick, Cumbria, England.^{[citation needed]}
KITT was designed by customizer Michael Scheffe. The convertible and super-pursuit KITTs were designed and built by George Barris.
KITT accompanied David Hasselhoff when he performed onstage, singing one of his songs at Disneyland back in 1985, with various Disney characters behind him as his band.
KITT appeared in a AT&T television commercial with other robotic entertainment stars as Robby the Robot, WOPR, and Rosie the Robot Maid.
KITT's Anamorphic Equalizer scanner is similar to that of Cylons from the science fiction series Battlestar Galactica. Glen A. Larson was the creator of both Knight Rider and Battlestar Galactica. He has stated that the two shows have nothing (else) in common. To remove any fan speculation, he stated that he simply reused the scanning light for KITT because he liked the effect.^{[citation needed]}
KITT was reunited with David Hasselhoff in an episode of the variety show/talent show America's Got Talent, on which Hasselhoff was a judge. A performer brought a replica of KITT onto center stage as scenery during her burlesque act. The following evening, Hasselhoff incorporated the KITT replica into his musical performance on stage. ^[2]
In an episode of the cartoon Totally Spies, the team of Sam, Alex and Clover were given a green car named KIRTT that could move at extremely high speeds, virtually drive itself, and transform into any wheeled vehicle.
David Hasselhoff drives around in KITT in his music video for "Jump in My Car". However, in the video, KITT is set up for a right-side-driver. ^[3]
According to an appearance on MTV Cribs, Joey Fatone owns one of the actual KITT cars used on the series. ^[4]
In the feature film The Benchwarmers, Jon Lovitz's character Mel owns a KITT replica.
C.A.R.R. (not to be confused with KARR) from the animated series Stroker and Hoop is a parody of KITT.