The Dodge Viper Defender vs Knight Rider Industries Two Thousand (KITT)

In 1994, Chrysler launched the VIPER TV series to serve as a promotional tool for the then-new Dodge Viper. Although it started airing in the 90s, it obviously had some similarities with Knight Rider’s KITT. So here are all their bells and whistles from their respective TV-shows. Starting with features that share a similar purpose:
• Nearly indestructible body - called a “Molecular Bonded Shell” on KITT. Also called, for lack of an official name, the “Viper snakeskin” on the Defender.
• Voice projection – a standard feature on both KITT and the Defender
• Flame thrower – mounted under KITT’s front bumper and mounted between the taillights on the Defender
• Off-road mode – called High Traction Drop Downs on KITT which raises KITT’s suspension, while the Defender fully transforms into an All-Terrain Vehicle with raised suspension and oversized off-road tires as well as an all-wheel-drive conversion (the regular Defender is RWD)
• Jammer – called a “Microwave Jammer “ on KITT, can jam any electronic device in the vicinity; the Defender has an Electromagnetic-Pulse (EMP) emitter that can send an EMP to jam the electronic equipment of a specific target like a moving vehicle.
• Lasers – both KITT and the Defender have the ability to fire high-powered lasers
• Video display Monitors – KITT has two CRT monitors that that display various readouts (like the Speedo and other A.I.-related systems); the Defender has one dash-mounted CRT monitor that displays CODUS-readouts as well as live video-streams from outside sources like the drone, this includes a retractable keyboard on the passenger’s side.
• Computer print-out – both KITT and the Defender are able to print hard-copies of computer-files
• Driving on water mode – called a “Third Stage Aquatic Synthesizer” it allows KITT to hydroplane, while the Defender has the capability to transform into a hovercraft mode.
• Grappling Hook/winch - On KITT, the winch is mounted under the front bumper, while the grappling hook is mounted behind the taillight-pane; The Defender’s twin multi-purpose weapons-pods shoot both a grappling hook and a winch, the Defender also had a rear-mounted grappling hook launcher in the first season.
• Turbo Boost - On KITT it is a pair of rocket boosters behind each front wheel, which is mostly used to jump over obstacles, but is also used to achieve super speed; while on the Defender it is a single rear mounted rocket booster (called Turbine Boost) during the second season.
• Door sensors - On KITT, it is a part of KITT’s sensory receptors that are scattered all over the Pontiac’s body, therefore denying anyone but Michael entry into the car; the Defender meanwhile has an advanced electronic locking mechanism that unlocks the doors automatically when the key-holder is near it (within a meter) and due to the lack of exterior door handles it is also the only way to open the door.

The Following are special features that aren’t shared between the two cars: starting with the Defender
The Defender has:
• The morph: The Viper’s pièce de résistance, the grey Defender has the ability to transform into one of two normal vehicle disguises based on a red Dodge Viper RT-10 roadster (seasons 1-3) and a blue Viper GTS coupe (season 4 only). The transformation sequence in the first season differed drastically from that of the 2nd-4rd seasons. The first transformation used a futuristic hexagonal-pattern referred to as the “hex-snakeskin transformation” (though called a morphing sequence in the series). The subsequent 3 seasons used an origami-like transformation sequence that is akin to the Transformers-franchise. The vehicle loses all weapons and armor plating when not in Defender-mode, but it retains use of it’s door-locking mechanism as well as the Probe’s remote capability (only when the Probe was already launched before the Defender morphed)
• Hologram Projector (deployed from roof) – diversionary tactic used to stop a moving target, also used as a cloaking device
• Probe (deployed from rear hatch) – a remote controlled drone that has an onboard camera and laser
• RC-mode - added in the 4th season. Done at the Viper’s base of operations, the Viper can be remotely started, morphed into Defender-mode and driven for a short distance as well as have limited use of the Defender’s array of weapons. The feature is primarily used to ensure the driver can get into the car quickly as well as serving as a distraction, it was also added to prevent the car from being used by an imposter like it was during the 3rd season’s finale
• Retractable battering rams – they take the shape of fangs to emulate the “snake-theme” of the car
• Retractable twin multi-purpose weapons pods (deployed from just below each car door) each with a “Static Pulse” (EMP) emitter, missiles / rockets, and a harpoon / tow cable / grapple hook launcher
• Rear mounted .50 caliber machine gun (replaces rear grapple hook from Season 1)
• Twin 7.62 mm machine guns
• Twin Stinger missile launchers
• Probe upgrade (infrared lens)
• Bolo / net launcher
• Torpedo launchers (deployed from front fenders in Hovercraft Mode only)
• Rear mounted bomb launcher
• Powertrain – In both Defender-mode and normal-mode, the vehicle uses the standard Dodge Viper’s 8lit V10 uprated to an unspecified power output

Among KITT’s special features are:
• The Computer AI: KITT’s a coup de gras is his Artificial Intelligence. KITT (Short for Knight Industries Two Thousand) is essentially as supercomputer on wheels, embodied as a black 1982 Pontiac Trans Am Firebird. Several of his main features are based around the AI’s self-awareness, therefore he has a multitude of sensors (auditory, visual and sensual), self-driving capabilities and a voice synthesizer that allows him to have an audible voice. Also because of KITT’s self-awareness, as well as his male voice, he is designated as a character rather than a weapon or mode of transport, thus the people use male-pronouns when referring to KITT. Also, since the Defender has no AI, most of KITT’s AI features are done manually either by the Defender’s driver or the Viper’s Base of Operations. The Producers of VIPER did consider giving the Defender an AI, but was later dropped to avoid confusion with KITT.
• Anamorphic Equalizer – KITT’s most apparent feature is his front scan bar. The scanner can see in all visual wavelengths including X-Ray and Infrared (which is why it’s a strobing red)
• Silent Mode – KITT can run virtually silent. The feature dampens KITT’s engine noise, allowing him to sneak around.
• Oil jets/ smoke screen/tear gas - Similar to James Bond’s Aston Martin
• Induction Coil – Mounted under the front bumper, is used to electrify a metallic surface when it comes into contact
• Magnesium charges – KITT can launch magnesium flares to divert heat-seeking missles
• Microlock – KITT can remotely lock the brakes of a nearby vehicle using microwaves to heat the vehicle’s brake fuids.
• Traction Spikes – KITT’s tires produce spikes that assist traction on an loose surface
• Bomb Sniffer – A device that enables KITT to locate a nearby bomb
• Medical Scanner – Includes an electrocardiograph, it can monitor the vitals of individuals nearby, even be used to monitor Michael’s movements inside the car.
• Tintable Windows – KITT can, at will, change the tint of the his windows from translucent to opaque
• Deflatable/Reinflateable Tires
• Ejector Seats – KITT has two front ejector seats, along with T-top roof-panels that open automatically
• Money Dispenser
• Interior Oxygenator – Provides air to the cabin when submerged, also used to overcome the effects of drugs
• Convertible roof – Though KITT was from the start a T-top that had removable automatic roof panels, this feature transforms KITT into a full-convertible