Sports cars are usually happiest on smooth tarmac, not gravel and mud, but a small group of manufacturers and tuners have been quietly challenging that idea. Kuhl Racing has taken Toyota’s GR86 and reworked it into a lifted, rally-inspired machine known as the GR86 Outroad. At the heart of the transformation is a significant increase
Sports cars are usually happiest on smooth tarmac, not gravel and mud, but a small group of manufacturers and tuners have been quietly challenging that idea. Kuhl Racing has taken Toyota’s GR86 and reworked it into a lifted, rally-inspired machine known as the GR86 Outroad.
At the heart of the transformation is a significant increase in ride height. Kuhl Racing has developed a bespoke suspension setup that lifts the GR86 by around 76 mm, instantly giving the compact coupe a far more purposeful stance. For those who want even more clearance, there is an optional hydraulic lift system that can raise the car by a further 40 mm when required, before lowering it again for everyday driving.
The visual changes are hard to miss. The Outroad looks far more aggressive than the standard GR86, thanks to chunky fender flares that allow for wider wheels and more rugged tyres. Revised front and rear bumpers improve approach and departure angles, while skid plates, protective cladding and auxiliary lights push the car firmly into rally territory. Roof rails finish the look and hint at a lifestyle well beyond weekend track days.
Mechanically, the Outroad starts with the GR86’s familiar 2.4-litre flat-four engine, but Kuhl Racing offers an optional turbocharger package for those chasing extra performance. With supporting upgrades such as improved cooling and ECU tuning, the turbo setup boosts output by around 50hp over the standard 232 hp figure. Buyers can still choose between a manual or automatic gearbox, keeping the driving experience flexible.
Importantly, this is more than just a showpiece. Kuhl Racing plans to sell the GR86 Outroad as a full conversion package for existing GR86 owners. Customers can also opt for individual components, allowing them to tailor their own build by selecting specific suspension parts, bodywork, wheels, brakes or performance upgrades depending on how extreme they want their car to be.
Pricing has already been confirmed for the Japanese market. The full GR86 Outroad conversion is priced at ¥4.15 million (around RM133,000), provided the owner already has a GR86. For buyers who prefer to upgrade in stages, the body kit on its own costs ¥1.77 million (around RM56,800), while the wheels add ¥440,000 (around RM14,100). Those opting for the turbocharger package will need to set aside a further ¥1.25 million (around RM40,200).
Kuhl Racing is set to officially unveil the GR86 Outroad at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon, ahead of sales beginning in Japan later in 2026. For anyone who has ever wondered what a GR86 might look like tearing down a rally stage rather than clipping apexes, the answer is now very clear.