JAC Motors' T9 bakkie sets new South African 24-hour endurance record
The JAC Motors' T9 2.0L Cti broke the 15-year-old 24-hour endurance record for commercial vehicles with 4 084 kilometres at an average speed of 170.1km/h.
As so often happens in South Africa, there's lots of banter around a braai fire as well as discussions, heated arguments and occasionally, there's even a challenge thrown in which, more often than not, is forgotten when the fires have died down.
This was pretty much the case when adventurer and content creator Danie Botha from Wild in SA and a couple of mates came up with the idea of beating the official South African 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles.
The challenge
Enter the JAC Motors' T9 2.0L Cti and 4 084 kilometres later at an average speed of 170.1km/h at Gerotek, just outside Pretoria, that record is now held by a Chinese bakkie.
The 15-year-old record was previously held by Isuzu with their KB300 TDi averaging 169.3km/h and covering 4 063 kilometres in 24 hours.
"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," explained Botha.
"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," said Karl-Heinz Göbel, the CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
No more Yaris! Rachel Kolisi reveals Chinese 'upgrade'
Barely a month after Rachel Kolisi claimed that she had traded her luxury vehicle for a Toyota Yaris, the former wife of Siya Kolisi shared a peek at her 'upgrade.' The ex-rugby WAG shocked her followers with the Instagram post, which she has since deleted. Rachel – who announced her split from Siya last October – has been navigating her new chapter as a single mom. In her latest Instagram post, Rachel Kolisi shared a look at her new ride, an SUV made by Chinese car manufacturer Jetour. 'Very excited and very grateful to be a part of the @jetour_south_africa family!' she shared of the brand partnership. The car deal has been sponsored by Livingstone Sports Management, the same company her brother Joel Smith works for. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachel Kolisi (@rachelkolisi) In the comments section, many of her followers were happy to see her bounce back. @nosiphoarmstrong: 'And this, ladies and gentlemen, is how you turn lemons into lemonade! Speak out. Rise. Do you! The world will follow!' @missmay1644: 'No more Yaris 🤣🤣. Congratulations to you!' @lerato_wartbooi: 'Thank you for reminding us over and over again that God restores!'. In a since-deleted Instagram post last month, Rachel Kolisi introduced her followers to her Toyota Yaris, which she had affectionately named 'Betsy.' The older model was a far cry from the top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz she had driven just days before. The influencer and philanthropist captioned the post: 'Life has a funny way of humbling you just when you think you've got it all figured out. One day you're riding high, the next you're asking a friend to borrow their spare car and googling 'how to parallel park a Yaris with dignity.' Rachel Kolisi – the former wife of Siya Kolisi – deleted an IG post about her modest car. Images via Instagram: @rachelkolisi The mother-of-two added: 'It's not forever. It's just a chapter. But honestly? Betsy (the car) and I are kind of vibing, and I still nail clutch control.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
9 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Stellantis weighs offloading Maserati in brand purge
Stellantis is considering a possible sale of its struggling luxury Maserati unit, among other options, two sources with knowledge of the matter said, as the carmaker seeks to overhaul its sprawling portfolio of 14 brands. Discussions about Maserati's future started before new CEO Antonio Filosa, who starts on Monday, was appointed last month, while Stellantis was steered by chair John Elkann. The viability of the French-Italian company's 14 brands — which include Chrysler, Peugeot, Jeep and Alfa Romeo — was a priority for Elkann as he interviewed candidates to fill the CEO job. Like other European carmakers, the world's fourth biggest carmaker is facing hefty US import tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump and struggling with stiff competition from Chinese rivals. Stellantis hired consultant McKinsey early in April to advise it on the effects of the US tariffs on Maserati and Alfa Romeo as the two brands prepare future plans. Stellantis affirmed then it was fully committed to both brands. However, a possible divestment of Maserati, its only luxury brand, is among the options McKinsey is exploring for Stellantis, the two sources told Reuters, adding the adviser's assessment was still in the early stages. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly. Asked for comment, a Stellantis spokesperson said: 'Respectfully, Maserati is not for sale.'
The Citizen
12 hours ago
- The Citizen
Bold new look, same trusted power: Engen Xtreme launches premium performance
The new Engen Xtreme packaging delivers more than visual impact. Engen has unveiled a bold new look for its Xtreme lubricants range, reinforcing its position as a premium solution for South African motorists. Designed to meet the demands of local roads and climate, the reimagined Xtreme range offers superior performance, advanced protection, and innovative packaging tailored for both professionals and everyday drivers. A premium product for a premium experience The enhanced Engen Xtreme lubricants range features the latest additive technology that enhances engine efficiency, reduces wear, and prolongs vehicle lifespan. Setting a new benchmark in the category, Engen Xtreme delivers real value to mechanics, petrolheads, and motorists who demand high-performance lubrication solutions. 'We've elevated Engen Xtreme from a great product to a supreme offering for the automotive sector,' says Unathi Fani, Engen's technical advisory manager. 'Our goal is to provide South Africans with a high-performance lubricant that exceeds their expectations.' A premium look for a premium product The new Engen Xtreme packaging delivers more than visual impact. It is engineered for both the workshop and the consumer, with improved handling, impactful labelling, and built-in anti-counterfeit features that prioritise confidence and convenience. 'Engen Xtreme is more than an update to the label — it's a renewed promise to deliver premium protection in a proudly South African product, for South Africans,' adds Melissa Graham, Indirect Sales Marketing Manager at Engen. 'This relaunch celebrates our commitment to performance, innovation, and packaging that speaks directly to the needs of South African mechanics and motorists alike.' Built for South African roads — and South African pros With the average age of vehicles on South African roads around eleven years, many cars still rely on internal combustion engines. Engen Xtreme is specifically formulated to protect high-mileage engines while meeting the requirements of modern European, Asian, and African car brands. Available in Standard S8, Premium S10, and Prestige S15 grades, Engen Xtreme lubricants provide superior protection against wear and corrosion, keeping engines clean and efficient. The advanced formulation sustains maximum oil and engine performance, even as the oil ages, improving power conversion and fuel savings. 'As vehicle engine design advances and fuel efficiency becomes a priority, the new Xtreme range has evolved to meet these demands,' says Mario Vester, Engen's automotive product manager. 'Using the latest lubricant technology, it guarantees quality for everything from trusted high-mileage workhorses to modern high-performance vehicles, ensuring superior protection and peace of mind.' Designed for South African conditions Engen Xtreme remains a 100% tested, locally manufactured lubricant produced in KwaZulu-Natal. Its formulations are designed to withstand South Africa's unique driving conditions – from congested urban traffic to extreme temperatures and rugged terrain – ensuring optimal performance no matter the journey. 'We understand the challenges South African motorists face, from fluctuating temperatures to stop-start traffic,' notes Vester. 'That's why Engen Xtreme is tailored to deliver the best possible protection for everything that South African roads can throw at a car.' New packaging, same trusted quality As part of the rebrand, Engen Xtreme features modernised packaging designed for usability and sustainability. The packaging includes anti-counterfeiting measures, enhanced dispensing mechanisms, and clearer labelling, making it easier for mechanics and vehicle owners to identify and use the right product with confidence. The bottles now include Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials, reflecting Engen's drive toward sustainable innovation. Durable, functional and future-ready, the updated packaging supports responsible manufacturing without compromising performance. Commitment to local manufacturing Engen Xtreme lubricants have been proudly manufactured in South Africa for over 25 years, reinforcing Engen's long-standing investment in local production. This commitment delivers world-class lubrication solutions – made by South Africans, for South African professionals. A strong start The reimagined Engen Xtreme range was introduced at a high-impact showcase event at The Galleria in Sandton, where industry professionals, mechanics, and key media were treated to an immersive product experience. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with Engen's technical specialists during a live panel discussion and view hands-on product demonstrations that highlighted formulation and packaging innovations. With its bold new identity and evolved formulation, the Engen Xtreme relaunch has set the tone for a strong brand presence in 2025 – one built to go the distance in performance, protection, and local pride. The new Engen Xtreme lubricants are now available at authorised Engen retailers and service stations nationwide. #EngenXtreme #ProudlySouthAfrican
