Hit the accelerator! Japanese toy manufacturer Aoshima Bunka Kyozai Co., Ltd. (Aoshima), renowned for its automotive models, is set to release a model kit of the iconic K.I.T.T. from the classic American action series "Knight Rider" in its Super Pursuit Mode version, slated for December 2021!
For many fans who grew up in the 80s and 90s, names like Michael Knight, K.I.T.T., and "Pal" (the affectionate nickname for K.I.T.T. in some regions) are instantly recognizable. The "Knight Rider" series, which first aired in the United States in 1982, quickly gained global popularity, broadcast in over 80 countries. David Hasselhoff, who played the protagonist Michael Knight, became a superstar, particularly in Germany, where he was revered as a pop icon. He even became the first American artist to perform on the Berlin Wall. In 1990, his single "Looking for Freedom" resonated deeply with the newly unified German people, topping the German music charts.
▼ Check out K.I.T.T. transforming into Super Pursuit Mode in the video below:
Introduced in the later seasons of the original series, Super Pursuit Mode (SPM) is a special ability that dramatically boosts K.I.T.T.'s speed. By pressing a green button on the dashboard, K.I.T.T.'s body undergoes a transformation, with changes to its front, sides, and rear. This allows the car to accelerate rapidly, reaching speeds over 300 miles per hour. An accompanying feature for SPM is the "Emergency Braking System," designed for quick stops.
Aoshima's new K.I.T.T. model kit faithfully recreates the vehicle in its Super Pursuit Mode transformation. The kit accurately captures the post-transformation appearance, including the Emergency Braking System, which can be displayed in either open or closed positions. However, it's worth noting that this kit cannot transform back into K.I.T.T.'s standard mode. Collectors looking to display both the regular and Super Pursuit Mode versions will need to purchase a separate standard K.I.T.T. model.
1/24 Knight Rider Knight 2000 K.I.T.T. SPM
Suggested Retail Price: 4,400 JPY (Tax Included)
Release Date: December 2021
Scale: 1/24
via： AOSHIMA