It’s true, Knight Rider was not the first talking car to have a career in law enforcement. Beginning in the ’60s, Toronto Police Service (TPS) employed a car with a gift for the gab by the name of Blinky — a modified Plymouth Fury — sans the Hoff, David Hasselhoff.

Blinky’s gig was safety, and it could often be found at local schools for safety demonstrations and, of course, would always take part in the Santa Claus Parade.

Blinky was even the subject of a short animated safety film. To date, it is unclear if Pixar sent TPS any royalties for clearly inspiring the work on the animated film Cars.

Established in 1834, TPS has utilized a long line of motor vehicles as squad cars, including some flashy, bright yellow patrol cars, similar to the taxi cabs that clog the streets in New York City. A switch was made in 1986 to adopt the current style of white cars with red-and-blue trim.

But it’s not all about four wheels on the road here in the big city of Toronto. In 1886, a horse unit was formed. And in 1989, TPS became the first police force in North America to ride bicycles.

Last month, TPS — which maintains a fleet of approximately 500 vehicles — unveiled their snazzy new cars. They are set to replace 80 of the current white vehicles with charcoal grey Ford Interceptors with white trim. 

According to Chris Nielsen, of fleet management, the new and über-stylish patrol cars will maintain the high degree of visibility.

“They have the same light bars and have white reflective decals, so they are highly visible during the day or at night,” he said, in a TPS statement. “It’s a different look, but the same vehicle.”

Apparently, the modern look also means the cars will have a high resale value when the TPS is done with them in about four-and-a-half years.

Although, buyer beware, none of the new vehicles talk.