Kuhl’s Cool Builds
The 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon really lived up to the name and hype that comes with every annual show. We’ve extensively covered most of the headliner showcars and displays, including Kuhl Racing. This Japanese company showed off unique builds like the Blocked Iron Build Land Cruiser 250 and the GR86 Outroad.
However, another Kuhl GR86 build was featured (and kind of flew under the radar) alongside the other cars at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon that we missed. This one was also based on a GR86 and drew inspiration from the Outroad, but was executed in a very different way.
Same Same But Different?
Kuhl just introduced another GR86 wide-body kit called the Spec D – a blend of “full-scale racing aero parts for winning drift competitions.” The Outroad influence is immediately obvious in the body’s color, which matches the Military Mud shade. Another thing both the Spec D and Outroad share is the front and rear bumper, and the steel bumper protector.
The differences begin with the wide front and rear fenders, which give the GR86 Spec D a lower, sportier stance. Another major difference is the large rear wing perched on the trunk lid of the Spec D. Kuhl designed the rear wing as a three-stage spoiler, showing off the top, middle, and lower fins. In fact, the base of the wing is the same duck tail used in the Outroad, with two additional fins added.
The ducted fenders were designed as aero parts to aid performance during drifting competitions; the total width on each side has been increased by 2.4 inches. Plate-shaped diffusers (or front side undercannards) were attached to the lower ends of the bumper to give the impression of a wide, low, sporty look. Other almost-overlooked design elements of the Kuhl Racing Spec D are the rear and side window louvers, which serve an aerodynamic purpose, too.
Additional Spec D Looks and Performance
An interesting thing about the Spec D is the suspension system; Kuhl went with an Air-Force Super Performance Kit air suspension. This lowers the car to the point where it is almost quite literally touching the ground. The rims are newly designed 19-inch KRONE05, Kuhl’s latest addition to their rim catalog.
The brakes for the Spec D GR86 are also made by Kuhl, with forged monoblock calipers with six pistons in the front and four pistons in the rear, and the interior features Bride Zeta IV bucket seats with gold Kuhl stitching on the headrest.
As an exercise in design and function, the Kuhl Racing GR86 Spec D knocks it out of the park. That Military Mud color, with the added sharp and angular panels, makes it look almost “Gundam-like” in design.
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