Latest news with #Karl-HeinzGöbel
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
JAC unveils limited-edition T9 Hunter bakkie for SA market only
JAC Motors South Africa has just unveiled a new, limited-edition version of its T9 Hunter bakkie for the local market following a record-breaking endurance test at Gerotek. Looking for a new or used JAC? Find it here with CARmag! Not so long ago, Chinese automaker JAC embarked on setting a new record, involving a gruelling 24-hour endurance challenge, where the T9 bakkie was pushed far beyond typical road limits. The challenge, held at the Gerotek Testing Facility in Pretoria, saw a T9 2l CTi cover 4 084 km at an average speed of 170.1km/h over the period. This distance broke the previous 15-year-old record for commercial vehicles held by Isuzu. To celebrate this accomplishment, JAC is producing an exclusive run of only 24 T9 Hunter units. Each of these special bakkies will be individually numbered and will receive unique upgrades over the standard T9, including enhanced performance and comfort features. While full details are still under wraps, this limited production run is clearly designed to offer buyers a tangible piece of the T9's track success. Under the bonnet, the T9 Hunter retains the potent powertrain used in the record-breaking test (which is a stock, factory unit). This means a 2l intercooled turbo-diesel engine that generates 144kW of power and 487N.m of torque. Power is delivered through an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Related: JAC T9 Bakkie Runs Non-Stop for 4 084 km to Set New SA 24-Hour Endurance Record Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa, notes that the launch of the T9 Hunter aligns perfectly with the brand's accelerating growth. 'Our sales figures reflect the increasing confidence customers have in our products,' Göbel stated. Indeed, T9 sales have seen a nearly 28% increase from January to May 2025 compared with the same period last year, while the popular T8 has surged by a massive 140%. The remainder of 2025 will see the brand introduce the T9 Plug-in Hybrid, marking its entry into the electrified bakkie market. This will be followed by the arrival of the T6 single-cab, catering to a more utility-focused segment. Additionally, engine updates are planned for both the T8 and X200 models, promising improved performance and efficiency across the lineup. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post JAC Unveils Limited Edition T9 Hunter Bakkie for SA Market Only appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Power boost for JAC T9 Hunter Special Edition models
Limited-run double cab will see the turbodiesel engine's power go up from 125 to 144kW. JAC Motors has introduced a T9 Hunter 4×4 Special Edition derivative to celebrate the company's recent record-breaking endurance challenge achievements. The Chinese manufacturer ran an off-the-showroom-floor JAC T9 2.0L CTi double cab around the Gerotek High Speed Oval flat-out for 24 hours. And in doing so, the JAC T9 broke some long-standing records set by the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu KB. The JAC T9 covered a full 4 084km during 24 hours at an average speed of 170.1km/h. Individually numbered 'To celebrate this record-breaking victory, we are producing 24 uniquely branded JAC T9 Hunters that will feature enhanced performance and exclusive comfort features,' says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa. ALSO READ: JAC T9 shows Chinese bakkies can threaten Hilux and Ranger 'These bakkies will be individually numbered from one to 24 to forever commemorate the impressive milestone that was achieved.' Special edition bakkies are nothing new to South Africa. In fact, almost every manufacturer offers them at some, or other, stage of their products' lifecycle. And I don't have to tell you; they sell like hot cakes. Power bump for JAC T9 Hunter Put a Legend badge on a Hilux, like the soon to be launched Toyota Legend 55. Bring out a Ford Ranger Stormtrak or Thunder, or Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme and the dealers can't enough of them. So, we think the 24 JAC T9 Hunter 4×4 double cabs are going to be snapped up almost immediately despite no pricing being available yet. In standard trim, the JAC T9 delivers 125kW of power and 410Nm of torque. But in the special edition JAC T9 Hunter, the power quoted is up to 144kW and 487Nm. The same 2.0-litre intercooled turbodiesel powertrain is used, as is the tried and tested 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. This is also not the end of the performance offerings from JAC. The second half of 2025 will be a busy time for the company, starting with the launch of their exciting JAC T9 PHEV. As reported in March, the JAC T9 PHEV will be the second plug-in hybrid bakkie to launch locally after the BYD Shark. ALSO READ: Opposition tracker engaged as JAC T9 Hunter pricing emerges Bring on the power game The JAC T9 PHEV swaps-out its current 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine for a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol combined with a 31.2 kWh battery. This battery will power two electric motors. A 150kW/300Nm unit on the front axle and a 150kW/340 Nm unit on the rear axle. The combined output for the JAC T9 PHEV is quoted at 290kW and 670Nm. As to be expected, there are all sorts of expectations that just like the BYD Shark, the JAC T9 PHEV indeed has the goonies to take on the Ford Ranger Raptor on the drag strip. Watch this space!
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
JAC T9 bakkie beats Isuzu KB and Toyota Hilux endurance records
Double cab covers 4 084km in 24 hours at an average speed of 170.1km at Gerotek. Many years ago, endurance records was one the most popular ways vehicle manufacturers showcased their vehicle's reliability and performance capabilities to the buying public. How it worked was that you went to a bona fide test facility and drove your vehicles flat out for 24 hours or longer under the watchful eyes of independent observers and announced the result to the world. It was very much a tit-for-tat game back then, with manufacturer after manufacturer all looking to outdo the other. Toyota set the benchmark in 2003 when they averaged a speed of 159.1km/h for 24 hours at Gerotek in their Hilux. Isuzu hit back in 2010 when they averaged 169.3km/h at the same venue and over the same period with their KB. A record they have held up onto for 15 years. ALSO READ: Plug-in hybrid JAC T9's switch flipped for South Africa JAC T9 the new champion JAC Motors has just gone and taken the crown from Isuzu with their T9 2.0L CTi by covering 4 084km at an average speed of 170.1km/h at the very same Gerotek, just outside Pretoria in South Africa. The 24-hour endurance challenge was the brainchild of adventurer and content creator Danie Botha from Wild in SA. 'The idea was to have a bit of fun with the IndyCar races in the US, 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 JAC T9 over 24 hours.' '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 JAC products,' says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa. Convincing the public Göbel says market research shows car buyers ask four key questions about Chinese vehicles. Are they reliable, are parts supply consistent, how many dealerships support after-sales service, and what trade-in value can you expect when it is time to sell in a few years? ALSO READ: AC T9 shows Chinese bakkies can threaten Hilux and Ranger '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. This 24-endurance challenge proves JAC Motors' reliability — our vehicles are as tough and reliable as any established brand — and we are here to compete with the best.' The 24-hour endurance challenge, held on 12 and 13 April, took a casual approach with no specialised tools used during pit stops. Four racing drivers, Michele Habig, Setshaba Mashigo, Phillip Kekana and Daniel Barbosa, all of whom are also driving instructors, took on the mammoth task of attempting to break Isuzu's South African 24-endurance record set in 2010 in the JAC T9. Hats off the drivers 'When I watched historic footage of Isuzu's meticulously executed attempt — precision pit stops, high-pressure fuel systems, and a trained crew — 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. The pressure mounted, but our drivers stayed focused and committed to chasing the record,' says Göbel. Continental Tyre SA sponsored the 24-hour endurance race, fitting the JAC T9 with CrossContact ATR tyres. Engen sponsored the fuel for the 24-hour endurance event. 'This remarkable achievement coincided with the finalisation of our new warranty for the T9 line-up. With confidence, we are extending the standard 100 000km warranty to 200 000km over five years, effective from 1 March 2025. The new five-year/200 000km warranty is backed by a five-year/100 000km service plan,' concludes Göbel. ALSO READ: VIDEO: JAC T9 makes a strong case silencing the sceptics JAC T9 heads bakkie line-up JAC Motors entered the South African market in 2017 with the X200 2.8L TDI 1.5-ton forward-cab workhorse. Its X-Series has since grown to include a unique double-cab derivative and the new battery-electric X200 EV 1.9-ton. Launched in 2018, the T-Series is now led by the flagship JAC T9 2.0L CTi.
