Filed under: Etc.
KITT vs. KITT: Which is better?
Later on today when we publish the latest episode of the Autoblog Podcast, you'll get to hear my voice quiver as I recall the original KITT in all its F-body glory. The one thing that irked me about KITT v1.0 was near the end of the series' run when he was destroyed and rebuilt with new features. Suddenly, KITT could go Mach 5 on the ground thanks to a new Pursuit Mode that was accompanied by every manner of wing, canard and automatically-extending aerodynamic supplement in the universe. The original KITT in Pursuit Mode was obviously the inspiration for the new KITT in Attack Mode, which is just as garish an automobile in its own right.
Inevitably, comparisons between the KITT of our youth and the new KITT will occur like the one above, so we're pleased that Popular Mechanics bit the proverbial bullet and did a Special Features Comparison between the 1982 Pontiac Trans Am that played the original and the 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR that's been hired for the new series.
Technology has advanced in the last 25 years and the new KITT has many more interesting features than the old one, like a mini-KITT reconnaissance drone, nanotech cloaking technology and DNA analysis equipment. It also features standard equipment that Pontiac didn't offer back in the day like 24-hour roadside assistance, heated seats and a heads-up display. But the new KITT is missing a few key items that could come in handy like a grapling hook, flame thrower and oil jets that shoot out the back. Also, the new KITT doesn't appear to accelerate as fast as the old one, which could hit 60 mph in 0.2 seconds with some help from its power boosters.
Click the Read link to see which car wins the battle of the better KITT.
[Source: Popular Mechanics]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
itsmeee 3:08PM (12/20/2007)
Obviously the original KITT. The new one honestly looks like the type of car I would have to pull over to the side of the road because I was laughing to hard if I saw it driving down the road.
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Mobius_1 10:49PM (12/20/2007)
I agree. The old one has far more "class" almost like a Bond car whereas the new one is kind of evil looking (Transformers?)
MosquitoControl 11:07AM (12/21/2007)
"Class" is not a word I'd use with the 80s Trans Am.
It's your ultimate blue-collar and/or New Jersey dream. The type of car you'd see a few dozen of outside of a bar in Nutley.
Not at all classy. Maybe fun, maybe intimidating, maybe cool. Not classy.
Of course, compared to the pictures they've been showing of the new one... the GT500 could have class, but it appears they've entirely stripped it away with that spoiler.
Ben H. 3:08PM (12/20/2007)
On the keyless entry and ignition, I thought KITT was the system? =]
I still prefer 1.0
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TriShield 3:12PM (12/20/2007)
The original KITT is far superior, the shape still looks sinister and modern today.
KITT should have been a new Corvette ZO6. A new car with all the familiar cues of the Firebird that originally played KITT.
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500 9:35PM (12/20/2007)
Nah, KITT's gotta have a back seat. Sometimes Michael Knight might want to pick up TWO chicks...
And I still remember 25 years later (I was 10 at the time) how cool and futuristic the '82 Trans Am looked when it first came out. It's hard to think of a modern muscle car which would look that fresh. Maybe if GM had given them access to an early production Camaro, or even the upcoming GTO?
Clark 3:13PM (12/20/2007)
Sad that I know this but true...KITT v1.0 came OEM with pursuit mode. It wasn't until the v1.1 rebuild in the later seasons that added "Super Pursuit Mode" with all the wings (and the tired same video strip of their deployment used in every episode there after).
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TriShield 3:14PM (12/20/2007)
Photoshop of KITT as a Corvette ZO6
http://www.crossroadforums.com/gallery2/d/383863-2/Carscoop_New_Knight_Rider_2.jpg
Black out the headlamps and it's perfect.
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Freestyle4x4f150 3:21PM (12/20/2007)
Maybe its because they need to sit more than 2 poeple at times
zoomzoomr 4:37PM (12/20/2007)
AGREED.. the Z06 looks like the perfect choice for KITT 2.0.. the little hood scoop opening is perfect for KITT's LEDs! My problem with the Mustang is that you see one on every corner.. nothing you would look twice at, even in this mildly hopped-up form.
J M C 3 5:44PM (12/20/2007)
You nailed it.Kitt shoulda been a 'Vette.
Gabe 11:54PM (12/20/2007)
While I like the idea of it being a Vette more than a big fat Mustang I still think the CCX would have been awesome.
http://coryarthus.com/album/kr_large.png
Taylor 3:24PM (12/20/2007)
Please enlighten me Autoblog...Why is this even being discussed? I hate the new K.I.T.T. I'll just say this, I don't like Mustangs either. The new car looks nothing like the old one. It's blocky, heavy, and just looks flat out ugly.
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Mallory 3:26PM (12/20/2007)
The old KITT was better. I'll never understand why they picked a Mustang as the new one.
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Bob-o 10:30PM (12/20/2007)
Money.
Frylock350 7:56AM (12/21/2007)
Because Transformers already took Camaro
BLH 3:30PM (12/20/2007)
Who cares?
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Jason Bird 3:33PM (12/20/2007)
Does everyone forget how awful the show actually was? Or are you all German Hasselhoff marks? The best/worst features Hasselhoff as the evil Garth Night...Michael with a moustache. Boy I hope they bring him back, too.
ARGHHH
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Justin 3:33PM (12/20/2007)
Firebird KITT ftw
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steve.ricken 3:40PM (12/20/2007)
Well let's take a look at Bullit mustang vs the Dodge Charger - the suspension on the mustang broke several times while the Charger held up perfectly.
So KITT mustang vs KITT Trans Am - of COURSE Trans Am will win every time. Besides, that car is much hotter.
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