Sports cars are typically not designed for off-road excursions, yet a growing trend among manufacturers like Lamborghini and Porsche has emerged, offering ruggedized versions of their high-performance vehicles. Now, Japanese tuner Kuhl Racing is joining this exciting movement by introducing its own adventurous take on the Toyota GR86.
Kuhl Racing's innovative GR86 Outroad redefines the sports coupe, transforming it into a formidable off-road machine while preserving its inherent performance characteristics. The most significant modification is a custom suspension system that elevates the GR86 by approximately three inches. An optional hydraulic lift system further enhances its versatility, allowing for an additional 1.6-inch lift when traversing challenging terrain and lowering it for standard road use. Beyond the lift, the Outroad boasts a more aggressive aesthetic with wider fender flares accommodating larger tires, and redesigned front and rear bumpers that improve approach and departure angles. Essential off-road elements such as skid plates, body cladding, and auxiliary lights underscore its rally-ready demeanor, completed by practical roof rails. While the standard 2.4-liter flat-four engine remains, Kuhl Racing offers an optional turbocharger kit, boosting its power output by an additional 50 horsepower, along with cooling enhancements and ECU tuning, further enhancing its dynamic capabilities. Buyers have the choice between manual or automatic transmissions.
This isn't merely a conceptual showcase; Kuhl Racing intends to make the Outroad accessible to enthusiasts. The company will offer complete conversion packages for existing GR86 owners, as well as individual components for those who prefer a customized build. This flexibility allows customers to select specific upgrades, including suspension, aerodynamic enhancements, wheels, brakes, and engine performance modifications, to tailor their Outroad to their precise needs and preferences. A fully equipped GR86 Outroad will be available for purchase at approximately ¥4,150,000 (around $26,600 USD). The body kit alone is priced at ¥1,771,000 ($11,800), with wheels adding another ¥440,000 ($2,800). Opting for the turbocharger kit incurs an additional cost of ¥1,250,000 ($8,300). The GR86 Outroad is scheduled to make its official debut at next month's Tokyo Auto Salon, with sales commencing in Japan later in 2026.
The automotive world is constantly evolving, pushing boundaries and challenging conventional design. Kuhl Racing's GR86 Outroad exemplifies this spirit of innovation, proving that passion and creativity can transform a familiar platform into something entirely new and exciting, inspiring drivers to explore new horizons and embrace the thrill of adventure both on and off the asphalt.