This Chinese bakkie just drove 170km/h for 24 hours – A new South African record

JAC’s stylish T9 double cab recently set a new 24-hour endurance record for commercial vehicles in South Africa.

The JAC covered an impressive 4,084km in 24 hours at the Gerotek testing facility outside Pretoria, Gauteng, working out to an average speed of 170.1km/h.

The idea to put the T9 to the test was the brainchild of local adventurer and content creator Danie Botha.

“The idea was to have a bit of fun with the IndyCar races in the USA, while giving the motoring public a glimpse into the thrilling world of endurance racing, unofficially attempting to break a 15-year-old record using just one T9 over 24 hours,” said Botha.

The previous titleholder of this record was Isuzu.

In 2010, the Japanese manufacturer took its 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel KB bakkie to Gerotek to dethrone rival Toyota.

A Toyota Hilux in 2003 set the original 24-hour record for commercial vehicles at 3,818km for an average speed of 159.1km/h.

Isuzu succeeded in improving on these figures, with its KB300 TDi averaging 169.3km/h and covering a staggering 4,063km in 24 hours.

Toppling a 15-year record

Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa, revealed that the company was keen on the idea of taking on Isuzu right from the get-go.

However, his confidence faded when he watched historic footage of Isuzu’s meticulously executed attempt, which included precision pit stops, high-pressure fuel systems, and a trained crew.

“When the 24-hour endurance challenge idea was pitched, we immediately knew it was a great opportunity to showcase the outstanding reliability and durability of our products,” he said.

“I wasn’t always confident we would break the record, especially when compared to our video production team and helpers taking over five minutes per pit stop.”

Nevertheless, the automaker forged ahead and committed to stage the record attempt for better or for worse.

It chose the T9 as its participant, which is powered by a punchy 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel powerplant with 125kW and 410Nm on tap, matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Continental Tyre joined in, sponsoring CrossContact ATR tyres for the T9 which are rated for speeds of up to 210km/h.

Engen also participated in the action, providing all fuel and lubricants for the entire event.

When all was said and done, the T9 completed a mammoth 1,350 laps of the Gerotek track within 24 hours, setting a new South African record in the process.

Average fuel usage over the journey worked out to 16.5l/100km, rather impressive when you consider the bakkie was running at full tilt during the entire test.

In celebration of the win, JAC announced that it will be expanding the standard warranty on the T9 from 100,000km to 200,000km over five years, effective from 1 March 2025.

“The new 5-year/200,000 km warranty is backed by a 5-year/100,000 km service plan,” said Göbel.

The JAC T9 used in the 24-hour endurance challenge will be on display at the JAC Motors stand at Nampo Park in Bothaville, Free State, from 13 to 16 May 2025.

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.