Looks there is one advantage to being on the new version of Knight Rider (well two if you count the endless script excuses to get co-stars in bikinis.) It seems the cast and crew got a chance to look at the new Mustang before the public, because the just released today 2010 Mustang will make an appearance on the show this Wednesday. These shows are usually filmed weeks or months in advance, so Ford must have snuck one on to the set along with its morphing Shelby GT500KRs and F-150s.

Don't expect this product placement to be subtle. Ford says the 2010 Mustang will pose as KITT during an inspection and "impresses everyone".

Press release after the jump.

Press release

The 2010 Ford Mustang is going to Hollywood.

The iconic American muscle car, which has outsold all competitors for more than 20 years, will make its TV debut on the Nov. 19 episode of NBC’s “Knight Rider,” which stars the Shelby GT500KR as the new version of KITT. The program airs at 8 p.m. EST on Wednesdays.

The 2010 Mustang will be revealed Nov. 18 at a special event in Santa Monica, Calif., and will be displayed at the Los Angeles International Auto Show Nov. 19-30.

“We’re delighted to bring the 2010 Mustang to prime time on NBC’s ‘Knight Rider,’ ” said Mustang brand manager Fritz Wilke. “With the Shelby GT500KR already showcased as the new KITT, it’s a perfect match.”

The 2010 Mustang’s appearance on “Knight Rider” is one of several ways this week to see the highly-anticipated redesign of the American automotive icon in years. Mustang enthusiasts also can tune in at 11 p.m. EST on Tuesday on the Speed network to see the reveal of the 2010 Mustang at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.

Simultaneously, the Mustang Club of America will host nine regional reveal events at local movie theaters, where Mustang enthusiasts can see a special live feed of the broadcast. Mustang Club of America regional events will be held in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Tulsa, Okla., Detroit, Phoenix, Denver, Columbus, Ohio, and Tampa.

The 2010 Mustang will be seen in the episode “Knight of the Zodiac” inside the Satellite Surveillance Chamber, also known as the SSC or “KITT Cave.” The 2010 Mustang poses as KITT during an inspection and impresses everyone.

During the shooting, the show’s production crew maintained strict secrecy about the yet-to-be-revealed Mustang.

“The 2010 Mustang arrived in a truck which was backed into the stage. The car was unloaded, undercover and kept covered until we shot. Limited cast and crew were allowed on set. The moment we finished shooting the car was covered back up and put back in the truck and disappeared,” said Gary Scott Thompson, executive producer, “Knight Rider.” “Shooting this car was like working with a high-profile actress shooting a love scene. We closed the set and only had the necessary crew there to shoot the scene with this amazing car.”

The 2010 Mustang proudly builds on the car’s 45-year heritage with a more-aggressive, modern exterior design as well as a world-class interior. The 2010 Mustang also receives the latest in technology, including available Ford SYNC®, voice-activated navigation and a rearview camera system.

Chassis and powertrain improvements pioneered on Ford’s extensive racing and special programs have been rolled into the 2010 Mustang as well. The new pony car will deliver more power and better handling, thanks to the development work on the 2008-09 Mustang Bullitt and lessons learned through the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge series.

Also on Nov. 19, the final installment of the “Mustang Stories” film contest airs. For the previous nine weeks leading up to the Nov. 19 episode of “Knight Rider,” a 60-second trailer of a short film featuring the Ford Mustang debuts. The films, created through a partnership among Ford, worldwide advertising agency JWT Team Detroit and Filmaka, a celebrated global digital entertainment studio and online creative community, then can be seen in their entirety at www.the2010mustang.com.

Jonathan Newman has been named the grand-prize winner for his film “Father’s Day,” which chronicles a father’s deep-seated love for Mustang that finds him test-driving a rare Mustang several times until one day when the salesman informs he no longer can – for a surprising reason.

“The overall quality of the work was genuinely astounding and I am both thrilled and honored to be recognized by such an esteemed panel of industry experts as JWT Team Detroit and Ford,” Newman said.

“All films that were submitted were excellent, but Jonathan’s compelling characters and direction captured our attention,” said Caroline Pernot, Ford car communications manager. “We are thrilled to have Jonathan direct another film for the 2010 Ford Mustang. Jonathan’s film and all the other great ‘Mustang Stories’ film will be featured at Ford’s display at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.”

Nearly 400 scripts were submitted by filmmakers in 28 countries on six continents and 22 semi-finalists received the green light to produce their films. Ten winners were selected and featured during the 2010 Mustang launch.