By now, most TV viewers have heard of K.I.T.T., the futuristic car racing through Knight Rider. Many readers have written to STARLOG asking for further details -- even blueprints -- and so, we decided to investigate the automotive secrets of the Knight Industries 2000.

Surprisingly, K.I.T.T. is protected by a security screen which could serve as a model for the Pentagon. Usually, requests for any information are immediately and firmly denied. A press spokesperson for Universal Studios explains that "the producers feel David's the star, and the car is only a prop. Besides, why tell the competition everything?" Bernadette Joyce, Knight Rider assistant producer, has a slightly different, more pragmatic viewpoint: "If we were to state everything that K.I.T.T. can and can't do, it would severely limit what the writers could do in future episodes. Also, if we labeled every switch with a function, you can bet some fan would notice if we ever changed anything."

She may be right; Star Trek fans may recall arguments among its cast as to the purpose of the Enterprise's instruments, and whether or not viewers knew what functions which button controlled. Whatever the reasons, little inside information was available on K.I.T.T. until NBC decided to promote the show each season with give-aways. Using these fact sheets, along with several confidential production memos, we were able to compile a list of all of K.I.T.T.'s special features -- a STARLOG exclusive!

First, K.I.T.T. is obviously a modified 1983 Pontiac Trans Am. The original K.I.T.T. was built by Chuck Barris, the famous car designer responsible for many classic TV and movie autos, including the Batmobile and Munster Koach. Actually, an average of nine K.I.T.T.'s exist at any one time, with the modifications now done by Universal. Only one of these vehicles, the "picture car," has K.I.T.T.'s intricate dash board and controls. Since many of the show's stunts result in the total demolition of the other car involved, the picture car is never used in any sequence other than those shots in which Michael Knight jumps into or out of the car, or in interior scenes of David Hasselhoff driving. A duplicate of the dash, built in segments for easy filming, sits on a Universal sound stage. It's used for all "insert" shots, which show the various flashing lights, TV monitors and the "voice box" display. Although he doesn't receive screen credit, K.I.T.T.'s voice is supplied by veteran actor William Daniels, who also stars in NBC's St. Elsewhere.

Buying and then destroying expensive items, such as cars, places a strain on even studio budgets. Luckily, Knight Rider was able to take advantage of Pontiac's unfortunate experience when a trainload of new Trans Ams derailed, damaging most of the cars. Universal now employs those vehicles as stunt cars, using special body sections molded to transform them into K.I.T.T.'s.