A Lightweight Two-Passenger Automobile Combining Improved Crashworthiness, Good Performance, Excellent Fuel Economy 831181

The Viking Six Integrated Research Vehicle was designed under contract to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the Department of Transportation. A progress report published in November 1982 indicated the successful demonstration of superior fuel economy and performance by the Viking Six without compromising passenger safety. The Viking Six has achieved occupant survival in a 41.2 mph barrier crash, fuel economy of 40.4 mpg city and 66.6 mpg highway and has met 1982 exhaust emission standards. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than nine seconds and shows outstanding stability on corners and in crosswinds. Additional modifications to the Viking Six include exchanging the 1600 cc engine for a 1300 cc engine using hydraulic valve lifters to gain higher compression and also the integration of a different engine emission control setup designed to meet the 1983 California Emission Standards.