The early 80s brought us the Knight Rider show with a talking car and one of the hottest actors of the day.
Long before actor and musician* David Hasselhoff ran in bare-chested slow motion across the beaches of Bay Watch, kids of the early 1980s had the hots for The Hoff’s 1982 Pontiac Trans Am, “K.I.T.T.”.
Not only could K.I.T.T. wow you with its T-top coolness and awesome oscillating red light, but that son of a gun could also talk too. If that doesn’t make for one iconic car of the 1980s, then what does?
* EDITORIAL NOTE: David Hasselhoff is only considered a “musician” in Germany. By USA standards, he’s an actor only—a fantastic one, granted, but just an actor, nonetheless.
Fictional K.I.T.T. vs Factual 1982 Pontiac Trans Am
There are plenty of sweet specifications on the original K.I.T.T. that no longer sound like a Phillip K. Dick hallucinatory dream.
For example, K.I.T.T.’s
Specs | K.I.T.T. | 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am |
Manufacturer | Knight Industries | General Motors |
Engine Type | Turbojet including modified afterburners w/ computer-controlled 8-speed turbo drive transmission | 5L V8 |
Top Speed | ~350 MPH | ~125MPH |
0-60 | < Two seconds | Way > Two seconds |
Self-Aware Computer | Standard | NO |
Telephone | Standard | Maybe. Nah, probably not |
In-Seat Medical Diagnostics | Standard | NO |
Key K.I.T.T. Fictional Specs Needed in 2021
As post-pandemic traffic picks back up, here are some of the top specs from K.I.T.T. that could make our commute way more fun.
Handy K.I.T.T. Specs | Potential Modern Day Uses |
Rocket Boost w/ Rocket Fire | Tailgater escape/Tailgater punishment |
Super Pursuit Mode | Finding nearest Starbucks |
Grappling Hook | Upgrade towing capacity |
Traction Spikes | Inclement weather/Off-roading |
Laser Power Pack | Limitless possibilities – most NOT legal |
Thermo Dynamic Generator | Could jumpstart 1,000 cars easy |
Indestructible | Driver’s Education/Teenager’s first car |
Pyroclastic Lamination (Heat Resistance) | Perfect for Texas Summers |
In-Seat Medical Diagnosis | No more drive-through COVID tests |
The One Thing that K.I.T.T. and the 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans AM have in common
One could argue that it was David Hasselhoff’s rugged machismo and indefatigable charisma that powered K.I.T.T.’s obvious sex appeal.
This is unlikely though, as proven by the real 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.
In fact, the ’82 Trans Am’s ability to make both women and men swoon was not due to The Hoff’s animal magnetism. No sir or madame. This was due to the removable T-tops and to a lesser degree their auto-grade safety glass.
Much like the original mullet, no man or woman can resist the magic of a car with T-tops. Well, no man or woman that speaks the truth, that is.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.