JAC Motors’ T9 2.0L CTi double-cab bakkie has shattered the South African 24-hour endurance record for commercial vehicles. Covering 4,084 kilometers at an average speed of 170.1 km/h, the feat was achieved at the Gerotek testing facility near Pretoria.
🔧 From Braai Challenge to Record-Breaking Run
The endurance challenge originated from a casual conversation among four friends, including adventurer and content creator Danie Botha from Wild in SA. Inspired by the IndyCar races in the USA, they aimed to unofficially break a 15-year-old record using a single T9 over 24 hours.
Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa, saw the event as an opportunity to showcase the reliability and durability of their vehicles. “We’ve ticked all the boxes after eight years of local trading, building a network of over 70 dealers across Southern Africa, delivering great after-sales service and consistent parts supply to more than 7,000 satisfied customers,” he stated.
🏎️ The Challenge Details
- Date: 12–13 April 2025
- Location: Gerotek Testing Facility, Pretoria
- Distance Covered: 4,084 km
- Average Speed: 170.1 km/h
- Drivers: Michele Habig, Setshaba Mashigo, Phillip Kekana, Daniel Barbosa
- Pit Stops: No specialized tools; over five minutes per stop
- Tyres: Continental CrossContact ATR
- Fuel & Lubricants: Engen’s high-performance 10W40 CK-4 Full Synthetic Engine Oil
🔍 Technical Specs of the JAC T9 2.0L CTi
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbo-diesel
- Power Output: 125 kW
- Torque: 410 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Consumption: 16.5 L/100 km during the challenge
🛡️ Warranty Update
Coinciding with this achievement, JAC Motors announced an extended warranty for the T9 lineup:
- New Warranty: 5-year/200,000 km
- Service Plan: 5-year/100,000 km
- Effective Date: 1 March 2025
📺 Public Showcase
The record-setting T9 will be displayed at the JAC Motors stand, F2a, at Nampo Park in Bothaville from 13 to 16 May 2025. Visitors can test-drive the T9 and T8 on the off-road track during the show. The 24-hour endurance challenge will be broadcast on DStv’s IgnitionTV, Channel 189, on 19 May, with ten repeat airings through to 25 May.
Sources: Businesslive, CARMag, ABRBuzz and JAC.