FleetDrive Issue 49 - October 2024 | Page 10

full nuanced conversations and can even throw tantrums or make compromises . Its speech comes from its “ language model ,” which also allows KITT to speak multiple languages .
Advanced Intelligence - KITT ’ s “ brain ” is a “ microprocessor ” that was originally installed in the US government ’ s mainframe . Wilton Knight installed the computer in a car and assigned to former detective Michael Knight .
Hydraulic lift and turbo boost - Built with a hydraulic lift . KITT can leap over trucks or turbo boost out of ditches .
Anti-theft measures – As seen on the show , KITT has anti-lockpick doors and the ability to block controls from unrecognised drivers . He can also eject them from their seats .
Futuristic console - KITT ’ s dashboard curves in and is covered in buttons and gauges . KITT also comes with two monitors and a yoke ( instead of a steering wheel ) that lends to its futuristic concept .
Telematics - Just like telematics today , KITT can detect when Michael is falling asleep and can switch into autocruise mode . But unlike present tech , KITT can perform autocruise on winding roads on mountainsides with the driver completely asleep !
TURBO BOOST !
Now , who is the real KITT ? Fans of the show can identify KITT as a modified 3rd gen 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am . Specifically , there were multiple KITTs , with some based on the1983 and 1984 Pontiac Firebirds but modified to look like the ‘ 82
A classic muscle car , the 1982 Firebird ’ s sleek black exterior and Recaro seats hold up today . Its overall design and exterior hark back to a 1980s interpretation of a futuristic aesthetic . According to an episode of “ Jay Leno ’ s Garage ,” KITT ’ s original 700R4 transmission was replaced with GM ’ s TH350 automatic transmission to accost for constant use during production .
# 4 James Bond : Tomorrow Never Dies ( 1997 ) - 007 ’ s BMW 750iL
No spy movie is complete without high-tech ride to match the agent . In Tomorrow Never Dies , Q assigns James Bond to a BMW750iL while in Hamburg , Germany .
LICENSE TO CRUISE
Q would never let 007 go on a mission unprepared . Let ’ s take a look at what Q had in store :
Artificial Intelligence – Q installed an AI with security features and a female voice , so Bond could “ pay attention .”
Remote-control driving – Bond expertly controlled the 750iL using its circular touchpad while hiding in the backseat .
Combat features - The car ’ s offensive features include smoke bombs , releasable tire spikes , missile launchers , and a small retractable wirecutting saw . The car also has a fingerprint-locked compartment , bulletproof body and windows , charged door handles , and re-inflatable tires .
The 750iL was used and abused during its short screentime . While the car doesn ’ t fail to remind Bond that “ unsafe driving will void warranty ,” 007 ended its time by launching it off a building 7 storeys high . Classy .
10 ISSUE 49 OCTOBER 2024 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU