Jean-Claude Van Damme's "Epic Split" for Volvo ad at age 53 (Video)

Uh, we're going to drive forward? Of course.

A feat in acrobatics:  Veteran action star Jean Claude Van Damme showed off his incredible flexibility in a new commercial for Volvo Trucks. The commercial starts with a close up of the actor talking directly to the camera. The Belgian star impressively performs the split in between 2 moving vehicles, completely poised while standing in a more upright position between the moving vehicles and riding backwards. Then he perfectly holds his pose as the camera then pans out to show the stunning stunt. The commercial then states: 'This test was set up to demonstrate the stability and precision of Volvo Dynamic steering. It was carried out by professionals in a closed-off area.'

"The Epic Split" advertisement video was published on YouTube on Nov 13, 2013 and filmed in Spain on a closed-off landing field at sunrise in 1 take. This live test was set up to demonstrate the precision and directional stability of Volvo Dynamic Steering -- a world 1st technology that makes the new Volvo FM easier to drive. The music is from a soundtrack by Enya called "Only Time." The video is directed by Andreas Nilsson. Watch it below.

'I've had my ups and downs,' he says. 'My fair share of bumpy roads and heavy winds. That's what made me what I am today...Now I stand here before you. What you see is a body crafted to perfection. A pair of legs engineered to defy the laws of physics and a mindset to master the most epic of splits.'

Volvo Trucks - The Epic Split feat. Van Damme (Live Test 6)

D@mn! Van Damme's still got it!

Jean-Claude Van Damme performs the split between 2 moving trucks in a breathtaking stunt. But what is even impressive is that he does this while folding his arms, even better the star balances perfectly with his legs in horizontal position between the trucks and what's even more impressive is that he does all of this while in reverse along a runway. And if that is not enough the guy is 53 and is showing that he is still as physically supple as ever. A remarkable feat: the star has kept in good shape in middle age.

No trickery here

Although some safety equipment may have been digitally removed, no computer trickery was involved on camera and the stunt is genuine, according to Volvo. Volvo released a candid video between the martial arts expert and the Volvo technican discussing the take.

Jean-Claude Van Damme: "Uh, we're going to drive forward? Of course." 

Jan-Inge Svensson (Volvo Trucks Technician): "No." 

Jean-Claude Van Damme: "Oh?!" 

Jan-Inge Svensson: "We will, uh, drive backwards..."

Check out the brief inside look of the candid feature below.

Volvo Trucks - Teaser Live Test 6

Some Responses

Perez Hilton stated that this is "The Most Hilariously Ridic Thing We've Ever Seen."  What is even going on here, and whose idea was this?? Honestly, whoever came up with this concept should be taken care of for life — more money they could ever spend! Why yes, this video IS a commercial for Volvo's new semi-truck suspension or something! It doesn't matter what it's for, because it features Jean Claude Van Damme doing splits in between two moving semi-trucks. You read that correctly! The strength and precision this requires is ridiculous — and don't even get us started with the music! 

While master blogger Perez views it as silly from his 'fit' Perez section of his site, it's hard to argue against 17,000,000 views in 4 days on YouTube. Personally, I thought it was like watching a superbowl ad. 17,000,000+ people can't be wrong can they? What do you think? Do you agree with Perez or do you think the video was awesome? Do you have other thoughts of the video? Sound off in the comments below.


Ken Sherman,

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While you're at it follow
Jean-Claude Van Damme on Twitter @JCVDonline 
Volvo Trucks on Twitter @VolvoTrucks

Watch it in reverse. It is just as epic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNIyD0lEc1s#t=51