The JAC T9 Hunter, a powerful and stylish Chinese double-cab pickup, has made headlines by setting a new endurance record for commercial vehicles in South Africa — a feat that reflects the impressive engineering and performance behind this emerging global contender, soon to be seen on roads across Pakistan.
In a relentless 24-hour challenge held at the renowned Gerotek testing facility near Pretoria, the JAC T9 covered a staggering 4,084 kilometres, averaging an incredible 170.1 km/h. This marks a new record for endurance and speed in its class, breaking a 15-year-old benchmark previously held by Japanese giants.
From Adventure to Achievement
The record-breaking run was the brainchild of South African adventurer and motoring enthusiast Danie Botha. Inspired by American IndyCar endurance events, Botha aimed to demonstrate the excitement and capability of commercial vehicles in a race-style endurance challenge.
Botha said about the event, “It was about combining fun and performance while proving that the T9 isn’t just about looks – it’s built to last.”
The T9 Hunter successfully dethroned Isuzu’s previous record of 4,063km set in 2010. Before that, the Toyota Hilux held the top spot with a distance of 3,818km at an average of 159.1 km/h.
Serious Performance, Real-World Reliability
At the heart of the JAC T9 is a robust 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering 125 kw and 410 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup proved its mettle under extreme conditions, running nonstop at high speeds for a full day.
The T9 used Continental Cross Contact ATR tyres, capable of handling speeds up to 210km/h, while Engen supplied high-performance fuel and lubricants to keep the bakkie running at peak efficiency throughout the test.
Despite basic pit stop setups and minimal race-style infrastructure, the JAC team determinedly pushed forward. The T9 completed 1,350 laps of the high-speed circuit, with an average fuel consumption of 16.5L/100km — a respectable figure given the intense demands of the run.
A Glimpse into Pakistan’s Pickup Future
This milestone achievement underscores JAC’s commitment to quality and durability — values that resonate strongly with Pakistani drivers who demand toughness, power, and reliability from their pickups. As the JAC T9 Hunter enters the Pakistani market, this record proves it’s not just another bakkie — it’s a game-changer.
Whether you’re tackling the rugged terrain of Balochistan, navigating the highlands of Gilgit-Baltistan, or hauling loads across urban roads, the JAC T9 Hunter is engineered to perform — and now, it has the credentials to back it up.
