Volvo and Van Damme's 'most epic of splits'

Successfully doing 'the splits' is a feat in itself, but doing it with your feet atop the mirrors of two different reversing prime movers? That's something only the likes of Jean-Claude Van Damme would attempt – and only then when the trucks in question were guided with the utmost precision.

Still, that's exactly what JCVD pulled off in a recent TV ad, in which he highlights one of the Swedish manufacturer's latest cutting-edge technologies: Volvo Dynamic Steering.

Essentially an active steering system, Volvo's VDS sees an electric motor linked to the truck's steering to reduce effort at the wheel and prevent unwanted disturbance reactions when driving on bumpy surfaces. The computer-controlled 'brains' of the system operate at a speed of 2000 calculations per second.

Volvo says its VDS technology, which is employed across its FM series of heavy-duty haulers, allows drivers to guide their rigs with total control, maintaining a precise course with ease at high speed and affording super-light, one-finger control at low speed.

Volvo also says the system can allow a driver to reverse for a considerable distance without drifting off course – something to which 'The muscles from Brussels' can now personally attest.

We could go on to describe the hammy-straining stunt in detail, but just the thought of potential consequences has our eyes watering. Better then, that you take a look for yourself…