TOMY and Universal Launch Crowd-Funded Knight Rider K.I.T.T. Die-Cast Replica
TOMY International and Universal Products & Experiences announce a limited-edition, crowd-funded die-cast replica of the iconic K.I.T.T. car from Knight Rider, featuring advanced interactive elements and marking a significant expansion in premium collectibles for nostalgic entertainment franchises.
TOMY International, in collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences, has announced a limited-edition die-cast model of the K.I.T.T. car from the Knight Rider television series. The replica will be available for pre-order from September 23 through October 23, 2025, as part of a crowd-funded initiative requiring 3,000 orders to proceed with production. This project represents the second crowd-funded collaboration between TOMY and Universal, highlighting a growing trend in leveraging fan support for high-end collectibles.
Morgan Weyl, Managing Director of Licensing and Global Development at TOMY International, emphasized the replica's immersive features, stating it transports fans to an iconic era in television history. The 1:10 scale model includes a Super Pursuit Mode transformation, Ski Mode display option, light effects, and a voice recognition interface that allows interaction with the legendary voice of K.I.T.T. The attention to detail extends to functional LED lights, a rotating license plate, and die-cast metal parts, making it the first K.I.T.T. car offered at this scale in diecast form.
Priced at $399, the replica weighs approximately 8 lbs and measures 20 inches by 8.25 inches by 5.25 inches when closed, expanding to 21 inches by 10.5 inches by 6.5 inches with activated features. Additional elements include a hidden touch sensor for effects activation, a light-up dashboard, and a collectible cutaway poster by Matthew Cushman. TOMY is promoting the offering through a digital campaign targeting Knight Rider fans in the U.S., Canada, and U.K., with previews available on knightrider-signup.tomy.com.
The initiative underscores the economic potential of nostalgia-driven products in the entertainment industry, blending advanced technology with classic IP to engage dedicated fan bases. Production is set to begin in fall 2025 after meeting the crowd-funding goal, with deliveries expected in early 2027. This approach not only mitigates financial risk for manufacturers but also ensures products align closely with consumer demand, reflecting a strategic shift in how legacy brands are monetized in modern markets.