JAC T9 2.0L CTi Smashed the 24-Hour SA Endurance Record

What began as a friendly challenge ended in triumph, with JAC Motors’ T9 2.0L CTi shattering the official South African 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles. The vehicle covered 4,084 kilometres at a remarkable average speed of 170.1 km/h at the Gerotek testing facility near Pretoria, South Africa.

This endurance challenge was the brainchild of adventurer and content creator Danie Botha from Wild in SA. According to Botha, the event aimed to provide the motoring public with an exciting glimpse into the world of endurance racing while unofficially attempting to break a 15-year-old record.

CEO Karl-Heinz Göbel of JAC Motors South Africa notes this was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the reliability and durability of their products. With a network of more than 70 dealers spread across Southern Africa, they aim to deliver top-notch after-sales service and consistent parts supply.

Over two days, the endurance challenge was driven by four proficient racing drivers, including Michele Habig, Setshaba Mashigo, Phillip Kekana, and Daniel Barbosa. They tackled the task of breaking Isuzu’s 24-hour record set in 2010, surpassing the previous records from Toyota Hilux in 2003.

Isuzu initially set a high bar, maintaining an average speed of 169.3 km/h and covering 4,063 kilometres in 24 hours. JAC Motors, with its efficient 2.0L turbo-diesel engine, met this challenge, achieving even greater distances.

Continental Tyre SA provided the CrossContact ATR tyres for the race, ensuring grip, comfort, and durability, while Engen supplied fuel. This collaboration highlighted JAC’s ethos of partnering with top-class suppliers to deliver exceptional product performance.

The achievement coincided with the rollout of JAC’s new warranty for the T9 series, extending it to 200,000 km over five years. With this unparalleled achievement, JAC Motors continues to cement its place as a robust competitor in the endurance vehicle market.

The public will have the opportunity to see the record-breaking T9 on display at the Nampo Park in Bothaville, with a special episode featuring the event set to air on DStv’s IgnitionTV.