Toyota GR86 Turned Into an Off-Road Sports Car You Can Actually Buy
The idea of turning a lightweight rear-wheel-drive coupe into an off-road machine may sound radical, but this is exactly what Japanese tuning specialists Kuhl Racing have done with the Toyota GR86. The project, called GR86 Outroad, was created for presentation at the Tokyo Auto Salon and is not just a show car. It is a fully functional rally-style sports car designed for gravel roads and light off-road driving, and it is already available for order.
Unlike many extreme concepts that never leave exhibition halls, the GR86 Outroad can be purchased either as a complete turnkey vehicle or as a set of components for owners who want to build their own off-road GR86.
Concept and Philosophy of the GR86 Outroad
The Outroad name perfectly reflects the philosophy of this build. Kuhl Racing did not aim to create a full SUV or crossover. Instead, the goal was to preserve the character of a compact, agile sports coupe while expanding its usability beyond smooth asphalt. The result is something close to a modern rally car for public roads, inspired by classic gravel racing machines rather than traditional off-roaders.
This approach makes the GR86 Outroad especially interesting for enthusiasts who enjoy spirited driving on mixed surfaces, mountain roads, and rural routes where perfect tarmac is rare.
Suspension and Ground Clearance Upgrades
One of the most important changes is the suspension. Kuhl Racing increases the ground clearance of the GR86 by 75 mm using sport-oriented coilover suspension. For customers who want even more clearance, an additional 40 mm lift is available as an option. This significant increase transforms the coupe’s stance and allows it to handle uneven surfaces with confidence.
The upgraded suspension setup not only raises the car but also improves wheel travel and durability, which are critical for driving on gravel, dirt, and broken roads. Despite the lift, the suspension remains relatively firm to retain precise handling characteristics.
Wheels, Tires, and Body Modifications
The increased ride height allows the use of larger, high-profile tires mounted on 18-inch forged wheels. These wheels are wider than stock and are combined with extended fender flares that visually emphasize the aggressive, rally-inspired look of the car.
The exterior transformation goes far beyond wheels and suspension. The GR86 Outroad receives redesigned bumpers with improved approach and departure angles, protective skid plates for underbody components, reinforced side sills, and additional external bars that enhance both style and durability. A large rear wing is installed to maintain aerodynamic stability at higher speeds on loose surfaces.
The body kit also includes a vented hood to improve engine cooling and custom headlight covers that add to the motorsport aesthetic while protecting lighting elements from debris.
Engine and Performance Enhancements
Under the hood, the GR86 Outroad retains Toyota’s familiar 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine. In its stock form, this engine produces around 228 horsepower, but Kuhl Racing offers an optional performance upgrade package.
This package includes a custom forced-induction system, a proprietary engine control unit, and an additional oil cooler. While exact output figures have not been officially published, available information suggests a power increase of approximately 50 horsepower. This would place the upgraded GR86 Outroad comfortably above the 270-horsepower mark, giving it strong performance even with the added weight and larger tires.
The drivetrain remains rear-wheel drive, preserving the playful handling balance that made the GR86 popular among driving enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications Overview
Toyota GR86 Outroad key technical highlights include a 2.4-liter flat-four petrol engine, rear-wheel drive layout, manual transmission availability, lifted coilover suspension with up to 115 mm total lift, 18-inch forged wheels with off-road tires, reinforced body components, optional forced induction system, and upgraded braking system available as an extra.
These modifications turn a compact sports coupe into a versatile machine capable of handling much more demanding road conditions without sacrificing driver engagement.
Pricing and Availability
Kuhl Racing has already opened order books for the GR86 Outroad in Japan. A fully assembled vehicle with a manual transmission starts at approximately 4,150,000 yen. At this base price, engine and chassis upgrades are not included.
Customers can add the performance and suspension enhancements separately, which increases the price by around 1.5 million yen. The complete body kit alone is priced at roughly 1.7 million yen, while the wheel set costs about 440,000 yen. An upgraded braking system is available for an additional 600,000 yen.
Importantly, similar conversion packages are also offered for the Subaru BRZ, which shares the same platform as the GR86.
Why the GR86 Outroad Matters
The GR86 Outroad reflects a broader trend in the automotive world where enthusiasts are looking for more versatile performance cars. Instead of pure track machines or heavy SUVs, there is growing interest in lightweight vehicles that can deliver excitement on a variety of surfaces.
For markets like the UAE, where drivers often transition between smooth highways, desert-adjacent roads, and rough rural routes, this philosophy is especially relevant. While the GR86 Outroad is not a desert SUV, its increased clearance and durability make it far more adaptable than a standard sports coupe.
Relevance for Car Rental Enthusiasts
Although the GR86 Outroad is a niche vehicle, it highlights why sports cars with character remain attractive in rental markets focused on driving experience. Modified sports coupes, rally-inspired builds, and performance-oriented models generate strong interest among tourists and residents who want something unique behind the wheel.
For RentCarUAE readers, this project also underlines the appeal of lightweight rear-wheel-drive cars in regions where road quality and driving conditions can vary significantly.