Stunt driver successfully 'kick flips' Chevrolet Sonic
(December 18, 2011) VALENCIA, Calif. — MTV-reality and action sports-star Rob Dyrdek successfully performed a kick flip in the all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic on Saturday.
A kick flip — a 360-degree rotation in mid-air — is a common stunt on a skateboard. Not so much in a vehicle. But Dyrdek, host of MTV’s Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness, and the Chevy Sonic are up for trying firsts.
“A kick flip with a Chevy Sonic was a no-brainer,” said Dyrdek. “I am a Chevy guy from my ’69 Camaro to the Tahoe I drive every day. The Sonic’s power and sportiness made it the perfect vehicle for this awesome stunt.”
Dyrdek performed the stunt before spectators at Six Flags Magic Mountain, while MTV filmed the feat for the Season 5 premiere of Fantasy Factory. Dyrdek executed the kick flip over the world’s-largest skateboard that he created for a previous stunt.
“With his outrageous personality and his willingness to try any adventure once, Rob Dyrdek was the perfect match for the Sonic and our ‘Let’s Do This’ campaign,” said Kevin Mayer, director of Chevrolet advertising and sales promotion.
The Sonic brought safety chops to the stunt with a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 10 standard air bags and high-strength steel as part of its body structure.
“I was confident that it would keep Rob safe even during a high-speed action stunt,” said Mayer.