New Chevvy takes a dip


Chevrolet has taken its new model bungee jumping in an attempt to attract younger drivers.

Chevrolet Sonic bungee

Bunnngggeeeee! Image: Chevrolet

The US automaker is aiming its marketing campaign for the new Sonic (to be known as the Aveo in the UK) at younger drivers, using an extreme sport theme.  To make the point, it has thrown the Golf-sized saloon out of an aircraft and off a 10-storey tower.

Both stunts are part of a viral marketing campaign. The first event saw a Sonic being pushed out of a transport aircraft at 14,000ft, accelerating from 0-60mph in just 0.4 seconds before forming part of a freefall display with some of the world's top skydivers before landing safely underneath a massive parachute.

Stunt number two involved the construction of a 100-ft high tower, built from cargo containers, in Long Beach, California.  A Sonic was then placed on top of a specially made gantry and attached to a bungee cord.

With several jobs at stake, the marketing team pushed the car off the tower and watched it plummet to within inches of the ground where it dipped its bonnet in an inflatable pool filled with water before flying back up on the elastic cord.

Thankfully, both activities proved successful, resulting in exciting video footage and some mighty relieved marketeers.