June 1, the 2026 China Hinta International Rally concluded in Xinjiang. The 212 Off-road Team, making its debut, competed in a 7,500 km total distance and 3,400 km of special stages under extreme conditions, becoming the sole 100% finish brand in the T2.1 Production Group Manufacturer Team, ultimately securing the runner-up position in this category. Despite the displacement disadvantage of a 2.0T engine against 3.0T, the 212 T01 proved the mass-produced reliability of rugged Chinese off-road vehicles with a full team finish.

This Hinta Rally was called "the hardest in history," with desert stages accounting for over 60%. Extreme heat, no-man's land marathons, continuous knife-edge slopes, and "deep potholes" posed severe tests for vehicle power, chassis, and body rigidity. In the fiercely competitive T2.1 Production Group, the 212 T01 competed as a near-stock mass-produced vehicle—only equipped with safety gear such as roll cages and racing seats, while the core powertrain and chassis structure remained identical to the market version.

In the first stage SS1, the 212 T01 secured third place in the class; in the SS3 stage, amidst the dangerous situation of over 30 race cars suffering tire blowouts and more than ten withdrawals, it became the only 2.0T manufacturer team to complete the class. In the SS5 stage with the highest elimination rate, the team held its ground under pressure and secured 3rd and 4th place in the class with a 100% completion rate. Entering the devil stages in the second half, Car Groups 265 and 266 won the class championship in SS10 and SS11 consecutively, and secured the runner-up position in SS12 again. Finally, the 212 Team secured the runner-up position in the T2.1 Production Group Manufacturer Team and became the only brand in the entire event to achieve a full team finish in the T2.1 Production Group.

In off-road races with high intensity and long distance like Hinta, the completion rate itself is the most intuitive indicator of reliability. The T01's powertrain maintained stable output under alternating high temperatures and high loads; its suspension travel and tire grip withstood the test in river sections dense with cross-axles and "deep potholes". Under the impact of hidden holes in the gravel riverbed, the high anti-torsion rigidity body maintained postural stability. There were no involuntary vehicle entrapments throughout the journey, verifying the vehicle's mechanical quality and durability in extreme environments. The Explorer 01, which simultaneously undertook logistical support tasks, delivered maintenance equipment and spare parts on time after each race car returned daily, guaranteeing the team's sustained combat capability. This "racing as testing" model is becoming an accelerator for 212 technology iteration.

The 212 T01's mass-produced vehicle performance relies on the "Knight" and "Expedition" two technical platforms released by the brand at the Beijing Auto Show. The "Knight" platform adopts front and rear five-link solid axles with a body-on-frame structure, supporting gasoline, diesel, and hybrid systems; both T01 and Explorer 01 were born from this platform. The "Expedition" platform is positioned as an all-scenario intelligent off-road architecture. The release of these two platforms marks 212's shift from single-vehicle production to systematic technology output.

Outside of racing, 212's global layout is advancing simultaneously. Currently, its global sales network covers over 80 countries and regions, with overseas subsidiaries and offices established in the UAE, Mexico, Indonesia, etc. It has built 9 global parts distribution center warehouses and implemented multiple KD assembly projects in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. It will continue to expand in Latin America and Africa in the future. From track verification to the global market, 212 is building a closed loop of "Events-Technology-Products-Service".

On the Hinta race track, the team once stopped voluntarily to rescue trapped opponents; a young boy who specially came from 200 km away received a cap gifted by the driver. These details convey the off-road spirit: Exploration, Passion, and Mutual Aid. In China, 212 cultivates off-road culture through activities such as the "Wild Joy Day" Music Party and G212 National Road Exploration Tour; overseas, from Dakar to Malaysia Sabah Rainforest Race, from Mille Miglia classic car rally to the US SEMA Show, 212 is bringing the Chinese off-road brand into the global perspective.

From full team finish to global layout, the 212's answer sheet at Hinta is not only a score sheet but also a public demonstration of mass-produced vehicle extreme reliability. When Chinese off-road brands dare to verify products with the harshest tracks and convert verification results into quality commitments perceivable by consumers, the trust assets of "Made in China" in the field of rugged off-road vehicles are accumulating.

The 2026 Ring Tower Rally is halfway through, from the floating sand at the edge of the Taklamakan to the gravel at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains, and then to ground temperatures approaching 70°C, every inch of the track demands "reliability under extreme conditions" from the participating vehicles. As the only mass-produced hard-core vehicle in China using a front and rear integral axle structure, the 212 T01 challenges the "hardest Ring Tower in history" in almost stock form, completing practical tests under multiple extreme road conditions. On the track, it faces strict challenges; off the track, T01 balances daily travel, achieving dual compatibility between professional off-roading and home commuting.

Inside the Arena: Forging Mechanical Quality in the "Devil Stage"

As the competition deepens, T01 withstood the baptism of long-distance raids and gravel stones in the early stages, demonstrating stable mechanical quality.

When the race reached the "Yudu Secret Realm" stage, the purgatory mode officially began. This stage surrounds the Taklamakan Desert, with soft sand, wetlands, and mud alternating, becoming the "watershed" with a very high elimination rate this year, where many race cars failed here. Facing the repeated tearing of rocky gullies, T01 performed exceptionally calmly. The front and rear integral axle + body-on-frame hard-core architecture gives it a natural long suspension travel and anti-torsion rigidity. Even if one wheel is pushed to the limit and the other is suspended in the air, it can still keep the tires biting the ground, providing stable traction.

If the "Yudu Secret Realm" stage tests passive durability, then the "Qiemo Deadly Pass" is a life-and-death battle of active breakthrough. Sudden strong winds, rainstorms, and sandstorms occurred during the stage, visibility dropped to 20-30 meters. Any throttle lag or torque dropout means getting stuck, digging out sand, or even retiring. The "Golden Powertrain Combo" of T01 shines here: The 2.0T engine outputs 185kW maximum power and 410 N·m peak torque. Paired with the transmission's 5.00 wide gear ratio and direct downshift capability across gears, it gives the driver nearly instantaneous gear response between climbing sand dunes and going downhill. T01 calmly escapes from soft sand ridges time and again, showing extremely strong power stability and all-terrain adaptability.

Outside the Arena: Balancing Daily and Diverse Outdoor Needs

Extreme conditions on the track are a centralized verification of T01's hard-core strength. This confidence stems from 212's accumulation in international top-tier events like Dakar and Malaysia Rainforest Challenge. T01 did not stop at pure off-road performance, but simultaneously achieved comprehensive advancement in driving comfort, intelligent safety, and diverse expansion capabilities, able to calmly return to the city to meet users' diverse travel scenario needs.

For outdoor exploration scenarios, T01 has a 40° approach angle, 36° departure angle, and 850mm maximum wading depth, allowing users to calmly cross streams and rugged mountain roads. To meet users' diverse outdoor play methods, T01 comes standard with 2.5-ton towing capacity right from the factory. Whether towing an RV, or pulling a yacht, motorboat, it can be easily and legally achieved. In addition, the 30+ expansion installation points reserved on the whole vehicle allow adding equipment like snorkels and desert flagpoles without drilling holes, allowing direct installation, letting every user define their vehicle at will and easily travel to mountains and seas.

Under the dual scenarios of hard-core off-roading and family travel, T01 has built a solid safety baseline for users with solid materials. The body adopts an anti-roll cage design, through 7 horizontal 2 vertical roof supports and 6 horizontal 6 vertical floor reinforcement beams, combined with a high-strength steel ratio of up to 96%, constructing the "steel and iron bones" of the passenger compartment. For complex outdoor environments, the body steel sheet metal parts of the entire series use galvanized sheets to resist corrosion from the source. After facing daily car usage scenarios, T01 also shows a convenient and flexible side. During daily city commuting or off-roading in narrow sections, the standard 360° panoramic image and transparent chassis functions can effectively eliminate blind spots and easily park into the garage.

In addition, T01's quietness is noteworthy. This stems from the powertrain active end mounts upgrading to castings, reducing idle vehicle vibration by 40%~50%, and acceleration and constant speed condition vibration reduced by 25%~40%; high damping bushings are used on key chassis parts to effectively attenuate low-frequency noise transmitted from the road; the firewall, carpet, rear wheel cover, rear side panel are comprehensively thickened with sound-absorbing insulation materials, reducing acceleration noise by 3dB, constant speed and wind noise reduced by 2~3dB. If the Ring Tower track validated T01's mechanical quality, then the excellent NVH performance shows its "delicate" side in daily life, allowing this hard-core off-roader to still provide a comfortable driving experience after returning to the city.

As the "Benchmark for Professional All-Terrain Hard-Core Off-Road", T01 can not only withstand repeated questioning on devil tracks, but also becomes a daily vehicle trustworthy for off-road enthusiasts by virtue of factory expansion capabilities and all-scenario adaptability. In the future, 212 will continue to bring the reliable quality accumulated on the track to more global users, truly achieving a perfect balance between off-road equality and quality life.

In early June, the 2026 China Ring Tower International Rally concluded. The 212 Off-road Vehicle team, which competed as a manufacturer team for the first time, completed the full 7,500 km course using T01 production vehicles close to factory state — the only brand in the T2.1 production group manufacturer teams to achieve 100% completion, winning two first places and one second place during stages SS10–SS13, and finally securing the runner-up spot among manufacturer teams in the group.

The participating vehicles were basically the powertrain of the commercially available T01: 2.0T engine (185kW/410N·m) + ZF 8AT + BorgWarner part-time 4WD, with torque amplified 2.64 times in 4L mode. The body-on-frame structure and front/rear solid axles (five-link) are the foundation that allows it to dare to run the Ring Tower — this structure sacrifices highway comfort, but in Gobi potholes and cross-axle sections, it has strong torsional rigidity, and the body does not easily deform.

Completing the race without major mechanical failures in a continuous 17-day high-load, high-temperature, and dusty environment proves at least that the basic reliability of this powertrain and chassis withstood tests much harsher than daily use, and not just marketing speak.

212 announced Ring Tower modification kits (chassis armor, anti-skid wheels, off-road tires, etc.) launching soon on the official mall, and launched 2027 Ring Tower user driver recruitment, partnering with Han Wei to establish a champion off-road training academy — attempting to integrate event resources with ordinary users, rather than just stopping at the brand exposure level.

Dakar, Malaysia Sabah Rainforest Race, and Alxa T3 have also been included in the plan. Whether "promoting R&D through racing" can feed back into production vehicle quality improvement is the next chapter that 212 truly needs to prove.

In one sentence summary: If you explicitly want a body-on-frame hard-core off-roader and can actually drive on unpaved roads a few times a year, the T01 is currently one of the few serious options in the 150,000 RMB range adhering to front and rear solid axles.

On June 6, the 212 Off-Road Vehicle Ring-Tar Grand Finale Celebration was held in Qingdao. Famous sports event host Han Qiaosheng, professional racing driver Han Wei, 212 Off-Road Vehicle manufacturer team drivers, user team drivers, and technical logistics team members and other participants of the Ring-Tar rally gathered together to jointly review the extreme journey of the 212 Off-Road Vehicle team in this year's Ring-Tar Rally.

In the just-concluded 2026 China Ring-Tar International Rally, the 212 Off-Road Vehicle team competed with mass-produced vehicles in near-original factory condition. In the extreme journey of a total mileage of 7,500 kilometers, they completed the "2.0T vs. 3.0T" cross-class challenge. Successively achieving "two championships and one runner-up" in stages SS10-SS13, they ultimately became the only brand with 100% finish rate in the T2.1 mass-produced group manufacturer team, and won the runner-up for the manufacturer team in this category.

This year's competing vehicle T01 has no heavy racing modifications. It is equipped with the same powertrain as the Ring-Tar—2.0T engine and ZF 8AT transmission. After the entire race inspection, low-end torque is powerful, comparable to large-displacement models when climbing gullies or towing with a full load; paired with a BorgWarner large transfer case, high/low speed switching is fast. In 4L mode, torque can be amplified 2.64 times, achieving torque distribution according to demand, ensuring stable power output for long-distance traversing and reducing failure rates. Regarding body structure, T01 adopts a body-on-frame construction with front and rear solid axles. The body remains undistorted when driving on rough off-road surfaces and potholes. It has maximum torsional resistance when overloaded. The chassis is specially optimized and tuned based on Ring-Tar extreme road conditions, adaptable to various complex road conditions straight from the factory. Moreover, the entire vehicle body uses galvanized steel plates, fearlessly enduring gully gravel scratches and resistant to rust. Additionally, T01 strengthens the top load-bearing capacity of the passenger cabin, with performance increased by 16%. Combined with cage-style passenger cabin design, 540° panoramic image, dash cam, and emergency call rescue functions, it provides comprehensive protection for passenger safety.

To allow more users to personally feel the charm of the Ring-Tar race, 212 announced that Ring-Tar modification kits will soon land on the official mall. The kit covers chassis armor, anti-slip wheels, off-road tires, and recovery equipment, aiming to endow users' beloved cars with stronger off-road strength. From the strict verification on the extreme racing field to the continuous cultivation of the user ecosystem, 212 is relying on the deep interaction between racing, products, and users to help ordinary people realize their off-road dreams. He Zhaopeng, General Manager of 212 Off-Road Vehicle Marketing Company, stated: "212 aims to popularize off-road culture, giving more people the chance for that seed about distance and dreams in their hearts to take root and sprout."

Regarding future race plans, 212 also stated that a series of top domestic and international races, including the Silk Road Rally, Malaysia Sabah International Rainforest Race, Alxa T3 Challenge, and 2027 Ring-Tar Rally, are all in planning, and 212 will continue to promote research through racing. Meanwhile, 212 officially launched the 2027 Ring-Tar User Driver Recruitment Plan and will join hands with Han Wei to establish a Champion Off-Road Training Academy, providing users with systematic pre-race guidance and participation opportunities. By honing products through racing and empowering users through training, 212 is gradually implementing the vision of mass off-roading, ensuring every 212 carries the user's own Ring-Tar dream.

June 1, the 2026 Huan Ta Rally officially concluded. In this ultimate showdown between 258 racers and 138 racing vehicles, the 212 Off-Road Vehicle team played it steady, consecutively achieving a record of "two championships and one runner-up" from SS10 to SS13 stages, and ultimately secured the runner-up position among the manufacturer teams in the T2.1 Production Group, becoming a highlight of this year's event. Facing the harsh track environment, the 212 Off-Road Vehicle team was not only the only manufacturer team to achieve 100% completion, but also undertook an over-class challenge of "2.0T vs 3.0T", delivering a report on "reliability" and "durability" with production vehicles close to original factory conditions in extreme environments.

All Crew Finished, Second-Half Burst, Breaking Through the "Toughest Huan Ta"

This year's Huan Ta is hailed as the "toughest in history". Among the total 7,500 km, deserts account for over 60%, and extreme high temperatures plus attacks in uninhabited areas posed severe tests for vehicles. Under such conditions, the 212 Off-Road Vehicle team demonstrated ultimate mechanical quality and tactical cooperation.

In the fiercely competitive T2.1 group, the 212 T01 entered with a 2.0T engine. In the first race SS1 stage, it secured third place in the T2.1 group; in the SS3 stage, amidst the dangerous situation where more than 30 racing cars had blowouts and over a dozen withdrew, it became the only 2.0T manufacturer team to finish in this group; in the SS5 stage with the highest elimination rate, the team withstood the dual pressure of mechanical limits and driver will, securing third and fourth places in the group with a 100% completion rate.

Entering the continuous devil stages of the second half, the No. 265 and No. 266 teams repeatedly ranked at the forefront of the group, and consecutively won the first place in the T2.1 Production Group in the SS10 and SS11 stages, defending the advantage with "double championships"; in the SS12 stage, the No. 265 team continued its hot form and secured the runner-up position. Upon completion of the race, 212 secured the runner-up position among the manufacturer teams in the T2.1 Production Group, and became the only brand in the T2.1 Production Group to achieve full crew completion in the entire field.

Behind the steady performance lies the systematic test that the 212 T01 withstood under continuous extreme operating conditions.

During the race, morning dust filled the air, the noon sun scalded the ground, and the day-night temperature difference was severe. The T01's power system maintained stable output in the rhythm of alternating high temperatures and high loads. In the riverbeds densely crisscrossed with cross-axles, the "Chicken Nest Pits" section repeatedly tested suspension travel and tire ground contact capability, with the T01 maintaining effective adhesion throughout. Even after continuously crushing over hidden pits in a gravel riverbed, its high anti-torsional rigid body maintained stable posture. Whether climbing steep sand dikes or cutting into broken river channels, the T01 could pass smoothly without any passive getting stuck throughout the journey. Every time passing the blade edge and every time stepping on the accelerator, it verified the vehicle's solid mechanical quality and durability performance under extreme environments.

While the team raced against time, the Explorer 01 undertook the team's logistical support throughout the journey.

After the racing cars returned daily, the Explorer 01 arrived on time carrying repair equipment and spare parts, and the logistics team completed the vehicle inspection within a very short time. For every emergency relocation during the event, the Explorer 01 ensured spare parts and maintenance personnel rushed to the next camp in time, allowing the racing cars to return to race condition in the shortest time possible. Throughout the entire race, the Explorer 01 maintained a steady rhythm, building a solid logistical defense line for the team.

Promoting Research through Racing, Empowering Technology, Letting the Legendary 212 Go Global

The achievements achieved by 212 in the Huan Ta Rally directly verified the mechanical quality and durability limits of the T01 model. This stable performance under extreme environments relies on the support of the brand's underlying technical architecture.

At the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, 212 officially launched two major technology platforms: "Knight" and "Expedition". Among them, the "Knight" platform adopts the most traditional and reliable off-road structure featuring front and rear 5-link solid axles and a non-load-bearing body, supporting gasoline, diesel, and hybrid systems, where both T01 and Explorer 01 were born. The "Expedition" platform is positioned as a future-oriented full-scenario intelligent off-road architecture.

The official launch of the two major platforms marks that 212 has completed the construction capability from single vehicle production to systematic technology output, and provides a technical benchmark for subsequent globalization layout.

Since 2025, 212's determination to go global has taken root overseas one after another. Currently, 212's global sales network has covered more than 80 countries and regions. To better serve global users, 212 has systematically built an overseas operation system: establishing overseas subsidiaries and offices in places like UAE, Mexico, Indonesia, as well as 9 global parts center warehouses; simultaneously expanding the global KD network, landing multiple KD knock-down assembly projects in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East; in the future, more KD projects will continue to be built in Latin America and Africa, significantly shortening delivery cycles to provide more local, agile, and considerate service support for global users.

It can be said that 212 is making Chinese off-road shine on the world stage with solid technology and systematic capabilities.

Exploration and Passion, Letting Off-Road Spirit Cross Mountains and Seas

The competition venue is the harshest trial ground, yet it is also the most moving place where off-road spirit occurs. At Huan Ta, the team repeatedly assisted stranded spectators to escape, and actively stopped to rescue opponents on the track; during the race, a little boy who came specially from 200 kilometers away received a driver's cap gifted by No. 265 driver Wang Peng—for a child who came due to passion, this might be the starting point of chasing off-road dreams. These actions inside and outside the arena reflect 212's deeper value background: Exploration and Passion.

What the 212 brand hopes to provide is not only high-performance off-road vehicle products, but also to convey a spirit of off-roading. 212 believes this is a common language globally. Domestically, 212 integrates off-road culture into daily scenarios through activities such as the "Happy Wilderness Day" Music Party and the G212 National Road Exploration Tour; overseas, from Dakar, Malaysia Sabah Rainforest Race verifying product hard power, to Mille Miglia classic car rally, and dialoguing with global automotive culture at the US SEMA modification show; then to the 212 brand globalization strategy launch event, making a solemn declaration to the global market in Dubai — 212 is integrating the exploration spirit originating from China with diverse global off-road cultures. Through every localization connection, 212 is striving to become a trusted partner in the journey of global explorers.

Excellent performance on the Huan Ta racecourse not only proves the product hard power of 212 production models, but also shows the continuous upward technical accumulation and system capabilities of Chinese off-road brands. Adhering to the strategic determination of "doing 100,000 meters depth for 1 meter width", 212 will continue to use top-level events as trial grounds, polish product technology with extreme operating conditions, continuously enrich the off-road product matrix, let more users feel the reliable confidence of Chinese tough off-road, and let Chinese off-road brands continue to drive towards a broader world stage.

On June 6, the 212 Off-Road Huan Ta Rally closing ceremony was held in Qingdao. Han Qiaosheng, driver Han Wei, racing drivers from manufacturer and user teams, and event logistics staff gathered on site to review the full schedule of the 2026 China International Huan Ta Rally and share their experiences and gains from the 7,500-kilometer extreme off-road competition.

The 2026 Huan Ta Rally schedule was arduous, crossing Gobi desert, sand dunes, and gravel sections throughout. High temperatures, large potholes, and long-distance uninhabited area road conditions posed a severe test on vehicle stability and driver skills.

The rules for this year's T2.1 Production Group race limit participating vehicles to use original factory production chassis and powertrains, allowing only upgrades to safety accessories. In the 7,500-kilometer total distance, the 212 team competed steadily with the 2.0T original factory production T01 model, consecutively winning two first places and one second place in the key stages from SS10 to SS13 in the latter half of the event. Finally, they became the only brand in the T2.1 Production Group manufacturer teams where all members successfully finished, securing the second place for the manufacturer team in the category.

The participating vehicle T01 this time had no heavy rally modifications. It is equipped with the same powertrain as the Huan Ta - a 2.0T engine and a ZF 8AT gearbox. Tested throughout the event, it demonstrated strong low-end torque output, comparable to large-displacement models when climbing Gobi slopes and towing heavy loads. Paired with the BorgWarner heavy-duty transfer case, high and low-speed switching is swift. In 4L mode, torque can be amplified 2.64 times, achieving torque distribution as needed, ensuring stable power output for long-distance crossing with low failure rates.

In terms of body structure, the T01 adopts a body-on-frame paired with solid front and rear axles. The body remains undeformed when driving on bumpy off-road surfaces and large potholes; it reaches maximum torsional rigidity when reloading and crossing. The chassis underwent specialized optimization and tuning based on Huan Ta extreme road conditions, ready to adapt to various complex road conditions straight from the factory. Additionally, the entire vehicle body uses galvanized steel plates, undeterred by Gobi gravel scratches, and is not prone to rust. Furthermore, the T01 reinforced the top load-bearing capacity of the passenger cabin, with performance increased by 16%. Combined with the cage-style passenger cabin design, 540° panoramic image, dashcam, and emergency call rescue functions, it provides comprehensive protection for passenger safety.

At the celebration site, drivers and technical teams exchanged views on actual test performance regarding power systems, chassis structures, and body protection. Combined with combat scenarios such as Gobi slope climbing, heavy-load towing, and high-intensity bouncing, they summarized the pros and cons of the vehicle in long-distance off-roading.

Based on the actual test data accumulated from this Huan Ta event, 212 plans to launch original factory modification kits for off-road enthusiasts. Related products will go online through official channels later, helping ordinary car owners optimize vehicle off-road capability. At the event site, the brand announced subsequent off-road event layouts overseas and domestically. The Dakar Rally, Malaysia Sabah Rainforest Rally, Alxa T3 Challenge, and 2027 Huan Ta Rally are all included in the participation plan, adhering to the principle of using event testing to feed back into vehicle technology optimization.

Furthermore, 212 officially launched the 2027 Huan Ta Amateur Driver Recruitment Project. It will jointly build a professional off-road training academy with Han Wei, providing systematic driving training for ordinary off-road enthusiasts, connecting the pathway from zero-basic driving practice to participating in the Huan Ta race course. The 212 Brand will continue to dig deep into the mass off-road ecosystem, aiming to promote the popularization of off-road culture domestically, lower the threshold for ordinary people to participate in professional off-road events, and give amateur off-road enthusiasts opportunities to step onto national-level rally tracks.

The author of this article is Yu Tian from TiCheBang.

June 6, the 212 Off-road Vehicle Ring Tower Finale Celebration was held in Qingdao. In the just concluded 2026 China Ring Tower International Rally, the 212 Off-road Vehicle Team competed with production vehicles in nearly stock condition. In the 7500 km extreme journey, they completed the cross-level challenge of "2.0T vs 3.0T", winning "two wins and one second place" consecutively in stages SS10-SS13. Finally, they became the only brand with a 100% completion rate in the T2.1 Production Group manufacturer team, and also won the runner-up position in the manufacturer team of this category.

The T01 vehicle participating in this event had no heavy racing modifications. It is equipped with the same powertrain as the Ring Tower rally - a 2.0T engine and ZF 8AT transmission. After undergoing inspection throughout the race, it showed strong low-end torque, comparable to large-displacement vehicles when climbing Gobi slopes or towing fully loaded; combined with a BorgWarner large transfer case, high and low speed shifting is rapid. In 4L mode, torque can be amplified 2.64 times, achieving torque distribution as needed, ensuring stable power output during long-distance travel and reducing the risk of failure.

Regarding body structure, the T01 adopts a body-on-frame design with front and rear solid axles, ensuring the body does not deform when driving on off-road bumps and potholes, providing maximum torsional rigidity when crossing under heavy loads; the chassis is specially optimized and tuned based on Ring Tower extreme road conditions, ready to adapt to various complex road conditions directly from the factory. Moreover, the entire car body uses galvanized sheets, immune to Gobi gravel scratches and resistant to rust. In addition, the T01 strengthened the roof load capacity of the passenger compartment by 16%. Combined with the cage-style passenger compartment design, 540° panoramic vision, dash cam, and emergency call/rescue functions, it provides all-around protection for passenger safety.

In order for more users to personally experience the charm of the Ring Tower rally, 212 announced that the Ring Tower modification kit will soon arrive on the official store. The kit will cover chassis armor, anti-drop wheels, off-road tires, and recovery rescue equipment, etc.

Regarding future race plans, 212 also stated that a series of top domestic and international races including the Silk Way Rally, Malaysia Sabah International Rainforest Rally, Alxa T3 Challenge, and 2027 Ring Tower Rally are all in planning. 212 will continue to promote R&D through racing. At the same time, 212 officially launched the 2027 Ring Tower user driver recruitment plan and will partner with Han Wei to establish the Champion Off-road Training Academy, providing users with systematic pre-race guidance and racing opportunities. Through racing to refine products and relying on training to empower users, 212 is gradually realizing the vision of mass off-roading, making every 212 carry the Ring Tower Dream belonging to the user.

On June 6, 212 Off-Road Vehicle held a wrap-up celebration for the 2026 Tarim Rally in Qingdao. Event host Han Qiaosheng, professional driver Han Wei, factory team and user team drivers, and technical logistics teams attended together to review the team's performance in the recently concluded 2026 China Tarim International Rally.

In an extreme journey of 7,500 kilometers, the 212 Off-Road Team competed with near-stock production T01 vehicles, competing on the same field with opponents equipped with 3.0T engines. Ultimately, the team secured "two championships and one runner-up" in stages SS10 to SS13, and became the only brand with a 100% completion rate among factory teams in the T2.1 production group, securing the runner-up position for the group's factory team.

This achievement attracted attention in the off-road circle: facing 3.0T with 2.0T, without heavy competition modifications, and completing the race with zero failures was itself beyond many people's expectations. As a top Asian off-road rally, the Tarim completion rate is perennially low. T01 completed the full course in "almost stock" condition, which was an extreme public test of its power, chassis, and body rigidity.

Technical Foundation: Relying on Factory Redundancy Rather Than Spec Stacking

According to 212 official introduction, the competing vehicle T01 is equipped with a 2.0T engine and ZF 8AT gearbox identical to the production version. In scenarios like Gobi climbing and full-load towing, low-end torque output performance is close to large-displacement models. The BorgWarner heavy-duty transfer case can amplify torque by 2.64 times in 4L mode, achieving on-demand distribution. Media noticed that this powertrain was not specially tuned due to participation — in other words, the T01 purchased by retail users is consistent with the rally finishing vehicles in core power.

The body adopts a non-load bearing structure with front and rear solid axle design. In off-road bumps, potholes, and heavy-load crossings, the body's anti-twist performance stood the test. The chassis was specially optimized for Tarim road conditions, using galvanized steel sheets for the whole vehicle to cope with Gobi gravel scratches and rust risks. In addition, the passenger compartment top load-bearing capacity increased by 16%, combined with cage design, 540° panoramic imaging, and emergency call rescue functions, strengthening safety redundancy in extreme environments.

Objectively, T01's Tarim performance validates a product logic: in the field of mass-produced off-road vehicles, structural redundancy handles real harsh road conditions better than stacking configurations.  This also explains to some extent why 212 Off-Road Vehicle dares to compete in "stock condition" — it bets not on extreme lightweighting, but on ruggedness.

From Competition Validation to User Empowerment: Tarim Kits and Training Academy

At the celebration, 212 Off-Road Vehicle announced that Tarim modification kits will soon land on the official mall, including chassis armor, beadlock wheels, off-road tires, and recovery rescue equipment. This means ordinary users can directly obtain upgrade solutions verified by Tarim combat after purchasing the vehicle.

More worth attention are two implementation actions:

• The 2027 Tarim User Driver Recruitment Plan has officially launched;
• Jointly established the Champion Off-road Training Academy with Champion driver Han Wei, providing systematic pre-race guidance and competition opportunities.

He Zhaopeng, General Manager of Marketing at 212 Off-Road Vehicle, stated at the event site: "212 Off-Road Vehicle wants to popularize off-road culture, giving more people the opportunity for the seed about distance and dreams in their hearts to take root and sprout."

From a media perspective, this is a typical "Competition-Product-User" closed-loop tactic — using high-intensity competitions to force product verification, then feeding back experience through kits and training to users, lowering the threshold for ordinary people to participate in off-roading. Compared to many brands that only treat competitions as technical showcases, 212 Off-Road Vehicle prefers to turn Tarim into a scenario that ordinary users can perceive and access.

Future Path: Multi-line Competition Layout and Challenges of Public Off-roading

212 Off-Road Vehicle also disclosed subsequent competition plans: the Dakar Rally (Note: original press release referred to as "Kala Rally"), Malaysia Sabah International Rainforest Race, Alxa T3 Challenge, and 2027 Tarim Rally are all on the agenda. The brand clearly stated it will persist in "Promoting R&D through competitions".

Objectively evaluated, 212 Off-Road Vehicle's current market challenge is not small: On one hand, the hardcore off-road track competition is fierce, with mainstream brands constantly adding hybrid and luxury configurations; on the other hand, 212 Off-Road Vehicle's brand perception still carries the imprint of "sentimental tool car". But the Tarim finish results and the establishment of the user training system are helping it build a new brand narrative — not comparing who is more expensive, but who can accompany you to the finish line better.

From the atmosphere of the Qingdao celebration, whether Han Wei's professional driver perspective, or the excitement of the user team after finishing, all convey a signal: 212 Off-Road Vehicle is trying to take off-roading from "extreme minority" to "participable mass culture". Whether this path can be successful depends on the reliability reputation of subsequent mass-produced vehicles, the actual implementation quality of the training academy, and whether products such as Tarim kits can truly lower the user threshold.

At least, the 2026 Tarim track has already given a good starting point.