LOS ANGELES, CA, — For the eighth installment in Ken Block’s 350+ million view Gymkhana viral video franchise, Block has taken his smoky, sideways driving style to his most exotic destination yet: Dubai!
Starring Block and an updated version of his world-famous Ford Fiesta ST RX43 rallycross car, Gymkhana EIGHT: Ultimate Exotic Playground; Dubai, is Block’s most cinematic film to-date. Block’s Fiesta also lights up the screen, literally, thanks to a unique, ultra reflective livery that was created specifically for Gymkhana EIGHT (Ultra Reflective Livery Reveal video). It also marks only the second time in Gymkhana history that Block has filmed one of his videos outside of the United States, the first time being Gymkhana THREE when he visited a very unique racetrack in France.
“I realize it sounds cliché to say it, but this is probably my favorite Gymkhana thus far,” said Block. “When XDubai reached out to partner with me as a sponsor last season, one of the things they brought to the table was the ability for us to come and have carte blanche in terms of filming a Gymkhana video in Dubai. The offer was amazing since I had identified Dubai as a location where I’d like to film something a few years prior, so of course I jumped at the opportunity. The fact that we were able to shut down the Sheik Zayed Road for only the second time in the history of Dubai [the road is the main highway in Dubai and has only been fully shut down once previously, when President George W. Bush visited in 2008], have access to a fully shutdown airport runway with a 747 and to be able to film in Burj Park, which is part of the world’s tallest building [the Burj Khalifa] is absolutely awesome. Now would be a great time for me to be able to say a huge heartfelt thank you to the people of Dubai for letting us come and make this awesome video, so, thank you!”
Other features in the film include a Ford Raptor driving-on-two-wheels as an obstacle for Block, the entire Dubai Police Force’s Exotic Cars division on set at all times—and featured as an obstacle at one point—two Ford Performance-related “Easter Eggs,” within the video, a very special set of credits, and much, much more. Plus there’s even a special announcement and preview of a new project car for Ken at the absolute end.
