Changan Takes on the Simola Hillclimb, showcasing Electrified Performance with Lindenberg Racing
Changan Takes on the Simola Hillclimb, showcasing Electrified Performance with Lindenberg Racing
Changan South Africa is set to make its mark at the 2026 Simola Hillclimb, one of the country’s most prestigious and widely followed motorsport events, taking place in Knysna from 30 April to 3 May.
Through the existing strategic partnership with Lindenberg Racing, Changan will participate across both key phases of the event, combining heritage motorsport with cutting-edge electrified performance. This dual presence not only highlights the brand’s growing local footprint but also demonstrates its ability to bridge tradition and future-focused mobility.
From Classic Heritage to Modern Performance
The excitement begins on 1 May, Classic Car Friday, where Lindenberg Racing will showcase three iconic vehicles: the Capri Perana, Daytona Coupe and an Escort – all transported and delivered by Changan Hunter Diesel bakkies. This category celebrates the legacy and craftsmanship of historic performance cars, drawing strong enthusiast and spectator appeal.
For Changan though, this association places the brand within a credible performance context, aligning it with a respected local racing name and the rich heritage that defines the Simola Hillclimb.
Electrified Evolution Takes on King of the Hill
The focus then shifts to the main event, King of the Hill (2–3 May), where Changan steps firmly into the spotlight with two of its most advanced vehicles.
Competing in the A8 class for hybrid and electric vehicles, the Changan Hunter K50 REEV and Changan Deepal S07 will take on the challenging Simola course, driven by experienced racers Paige Lindenberg and James Temple, respectively.
This marks a significant milestone, with the Hunter K50 REEV creating a true talking point as it takes on the Hillclimb. In an environment typically dominated by lightweight, purpose-built performance cars, the presence of a range-extended electric bakkie is deliberately unexpected. The Simola Hillclimb is a high-speed test of power-to-weight ratios, aerodynamics, suspension setup and driver precision, making it a space where vehicles like the Hunter K50 wouldn’t traditionally compete. That contrast is exactly the point. By putting the world’s first REEV bakkie into one of South Africa’s most demanding performance arenas, Changan is challenging perceptions of what electrified utility vehicles are capable of.
Proving Performance Where It Matters
The Simola Hillclimb is widely regarded as a true test of vehicle performance, demanding precision, power delivery, and control over a short but technically demanding course.
By entering the Hunter K50 REEV and Deepal S07 into this environment, Changan is demonstrating that electrified mobility is not just about efficiency, but also about real-world capability and performance.
For South African consumers, this provides a tangible, high-visibility proof point. It moves the conversation beyond specifications and into action, showing how these vehicles perform under pressure in one of the country’s most respected motorsport settings.
Strengthening Local South African Relevance Through Strategic Partnership
The collaboration with Lindenberg Racing adds further credibility to Changan’s presence at Simola. As an established name in South African motorsport, Lindenberg brings both experience and local insight, helping to connect global vehicle innovation with local driving conditions and expectations.
While different drivers will take to the wheel across the weekend, both Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill are represented by the Lindenberg Racing team. This creates a strong and credible link between heritage performance and Changan’s modern lineup, connecting decades of racing pedigree with the next generation of mobility.
Driven To Evolve and Here To Stay
Changan’s participation in the Simola Hillclimb is more than a motorsport appearance. It represents a broader commitment to the South African market.
It signals a brand that is actively engaging with local audiences, investing in meaningful partnerships, and demonstrating its vehicles in environments that matter to South African drivers.
As electrified mobility continues to evolve locally, moments like this play an important role in building confidence, showing that new technologies can deliver both performance and practicality in real-world conditions. By taking on the Simola Hillclimb, Changan is not only showcasing its latest vehicles, but also reinforcing its position as a forward-looking automotive brand with a growing presence in South Africa.
From heritage to innovation, and from global ambition to local relevance, the brand’s presence at Simola reflects a clear direction: delivering vehicles that are ready for the demands of today, while building toward the future of mobility.
*Information provided by the publicist.
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