Pretoria, South Africa – 18 June 2025: JAC Motors South Africa has unveiled the new T9 Hunter 4×4 Special Edition, a bold and exclusive celebration of its extraordinary achievement in the recent 24-hour Endurance Challenge, where it smashed a 15-year-old commercial vehicle record.
Piloting the production-spec T9 2.0L CTi, JAC Motors set a blistering pace over 24 hours, clocking 4,084 kilometres at an average speed of 170.1 km/h around the oval track at Gerotek Testing Facilities in Pretoria. The feat marks a major milestone for the Chinese automaker, setting a new benchmark in durability and performance in the highly competitive bakkie segment.
“To celebrate this record-breaking victory, we are producing 24 uniquely branded T9 Hunters in 4×4 configuration,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa. “Each unit will be individually numbered to commemorate this remarkable milestone in our journey.”
Raw Power Meets Refined Utility
The new T9 Hunter is more than a badge of honour. It’s a showcase of engineering precision, drawing from the same DNA that conquered Gerotek. Powered by a 2.0-litre intercooled turbocharged diesel engine, the T9 Hunter produces 144 kW at 3,014 rpm and 487 Nm at 2,704 rpm. This potent force is channelled through a smooth 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, trusted by leading global performance marques.
While full specifications are still under wraps, JAC Motors has confirmed that the T9 Hunter will offer exclusive performance enhancements and comfort features, further distinguishing it from its production-line siblings.
Building Momentum
The T9 Hunter’s arrival comes on the back of sustained sales growth for the JAC brand in South Africa. Between January and May 2025, T9 sales rose by nearly 28%, while the T8 range grew by more than 140%, signalling strong demand for the brand’s rugged, reliable and well-priced offerings.
“Our performance at the track mirrors our performance in the market,” notes Göbel. “The T9 Hunter symbolises our commitment to pushing boundaries, both in terms of product capability and customer satisfaction.”
A Pipeline of Innovation
The limited-edition T9 Hunter is just the beginning of a busy second half of the year for JAC Motors. July will see the introduction of the highly anticipated T9 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), expanding the brand’s footprint in the green mobility space. Following closely are the launches of the T6 single-cab and updated T8 and X200 models, featuring new engine options designed to meet South Africa’s increasingly diverse vehicle needs.
With a network of over 70 dealers across Southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, JAC Motors is well positioned to deliver world-class after-sales support and service across the region.
Pricing and detailed specifications for the T9 Hunter 4×4 Special Edition will be announced shortly. But with only 24 units available, this collector-grade bakkie promises to be one of the most exclusive and talked-about vehicle launches of the year.
For South African bakkie buyers, the hunt is on—and the T9 Hunter is leading the charge.
