what car is the knight rider car

[ZacharyLee]

The car famously known as the Knight Rider car is a heavily modified 1982 Pontiac Trans Am, specifically the third-generation Firebird. On the show, it was called KITT, an acronym for Knight Industries Two Thousand. While the base model was a production car, KITT was a one-of-a-kind prototype equipped with advanced artificial intelligence, making it a character in its own right. The most recognizable feature is the front-mounted red scanner light that swept back and forth.

The show's producers chose the Trans Am for its sleek, futuristic look, which was perfect for the early 1980s. The car used for filming wasn't just stock; it was customized with a specialized front end to house the scanner, a complex interior console with numerous buttons and monitors, and a distinct, synthesized voice created by actor William Daniels. Multiple cars were built for different purposes—some for close-up shots, others for stunts, and a "hero" car for scenes featuring KITT's voice and personality.

Here's a breakdown of the key specifications for the screen-used vehicle:

Feature	Specification	Notes
Base Model	1982 Pontiac Trans Am	Third-generation Firebird
Engine	5.0-liter V8 (LB9)	Approximately 150 horsepower
Transmission	3-speed automatic	Common for the era
KITT Name	Knight Industries Two Thousand	AI personality
Signature Feature	Front Red Scanner Light	Animated by a rotating mechanism
Voice Actor	William Daniels	Provided KITT's personality
Number Built	Multiple replicas	Created for stunts, close-ups, etc.
0-60 mph Time	~10.5 seconds (stock)	Performance was not the primary focus

Owning a replica today means finding a well-maintained 1982-1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and undertaking a significant restoration and customization project. Authentic parts, like the correct scanner and interior panels, are rare and sought after by collectors. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the show's impact on automotive culture.

[MacBrandon]

Oh, that's KITT from Knight Rider! It's a Pontiac Trans Am from the early '80s, but it's what they did to it that matters. They gave it that cool red light that zips back and forth and a sarcastic computer voice. The car itself was almost a character on the show. You see one at a car show now, and you immediately hear that theme music. It’s less about the car's specs and all about the personality they baked into it.

[AubreeMarie]

From a technical standpoint, the vehicle is a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am, chosen for its contemporary, aerodynamic body. The modifications are what defined it. The scanner was a custom array of lights. The "super-pursuit mode" and talking interface were theatrical, but the underlying car was a real GM product. For enthusiasts, the challenge is replicating the specific dashboard and console, which were unique props, not factory options. It's a fascinating piece of Hollywood automotive engineering.

[DeLuna]

The Knight Rider car is a perfect example of 1980s pop culture. It’s a Pontiac Trans Am, but it represents the era's obsession with technology and the future. The car’s sleek, black design and that pulsating red light made it an icon. The show wasn't just about a guy and his car; it was about their partnership. This reflects a shift in how we view vehicles—not just as machines, but as potential companions. Its design continues to influence concept cars today.