Knight Rider returns in a new guise as a Ferrari 575 digital render that is worthy of the ‘KITT’ name.
Ferrari has been widely recognized as a supercar maker that builds some of the most elegant grand tourers in the world. All it takes is a trip down memory lane to see what we mean: the 250 GT Lusso, the 275 GTB, the Daytona and the 575 are some of the few we can think of at this point. Every GT had its own distinct character, but as of today, the 575 seems to look like the least desirable of them all. However, it still qualifies as an exotic car. While the 550 was the less hardcore one to buy, the 575M had all the bells and whistles; it was Ferrari’s flagship model.
Both cars came powered by V12 engines, but while the 550 had a 5.5-liter engine, the 575 comprised a 5.7-liter engine that made more power and torque. What you see in the images, is a Ferrari 575 re-imagined with a cyberpunk look that would fit right into the next Knight Rider series, if it ever happens, of course. We’re taking a closer look to see what makes this digital render worthy of the ‘KITT’ name.
Knight Rider Gets A Cyberpunk Look For The Next Series
Ferrari is not known for making outlandish cars, which is why the original 575 looks so plain. The design was once classy and elegant, but not anymore. With that being said, it was designed by Pininfarina, the same company that now makes the fastest EV in the world.
The Knight Rider version in the images, however, is the work of digital artist Al Yasid. The original car has seemingly lost its 1990s look and gained a design that any enthusiast would approve of in this era. The simpler look has now given way for what is commonly referred to as a ‘cyberpunk’ look. There are plenty of cuts, creases and smooth-flowing surfaces.
Firstly, the digital Ferrari 575 sits a lot lower than the original; in fact, it’s slammed to the ground. The entire front bumper is redesigned, featuring multiple slats with the prancing horse on it. The only identical design element is the hood with the vent on it. Even the headlights are now pop-up ones, mimicking the actual Pontiac TansAm from Knight Rider. The Anamorphic Equalizer is now a thinner LED strip.
We’d like to imagine the Knight Industries 2000 microprocessor has given way to a more advanced version of itself. It is also called a self-aware cybernetic logic module that lets KITT communicate with people. KITT, in his Ferrari avatar, will also feature the latest driver assist technology to keep up with the modern times.
The sleek wheel arch extensions give it a wider look, and just like the 1982 TransAm, the Ferrari gets closed-off wheel covers, but only at the front. And the wedged rear quarter panels look equally stunning, overlapping ridiculously wide rear wheels.
At the rear, there is no glass that shows you the luggage compartment. Instead, it gets slats, which tells us that there could probably be an engine under there, not under the hood. The round tail lights now get an LED treatment, and there’s no rear bumper; the up-swept rear diffuser design looks rad. Also, the exposed exhaust design completes the look. KITT now features a modern molecular bonded shell for protection from explosives, and it gets a carbon fiber body treatment as well.
Ferrari 575 V12 Is What Fans Will Want To Hear
While the Pontiac was powered by a Knight Industries turbojet, with power sent to the rear wheels via an electronically controlled 8-speed automatic, the Ferrari’s setup is different. The 575 is powered by a mid-mounted 5.7-liter V12 that’s been tuned by Knight Industries to make over 700 hp with the help of modern turbochargers. Mated to the engine will be the latest 8-speed twin-clutch transmission from the 296 GTB.
The Ferrari 575 will also feature the most advanced version of the Anharmonic Synthesizer which is what helps KITT to communicate. This is also responsible for his voice. While KITT basically speaks English, he also has the ability to speak fluently in other languages to the driver. He will also be able to alter his accent. The ‘Turbo Boost’ function remains; this makes KITT airborne for a short while until he lands safely on his wheels.
What Car Was Knight Rider Originally?
In the Knight Rider series, KITT (or Knight Industries Two Thousand) was a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am. He was instantly recognizable as KITT because of the red light that shuffled from one side to another. It allowed him to carry out X-rays and see wavelengths visible to the eye. However, it was the only part of him that wasn’t protected by armor. The car was designed by a customizer by the name of Michael Scheffe.
Sources: Al Yasid Via Instagram, Ferrari
