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Unplugged Performance has announced an expansion of its UP Forged Road Warrior wheel family with a new size specifically for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. The introduction of the 18×8.5 wheel aims to provide Tesla owners with a blend of efficiency, durability, and performance, complementing the existing lineup.
Key Highlights
- New Size: An 18×8.5 wheel is now available for all Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
- Durability Focus: Wheels are engineered to be highly durable, featuring a replaceable aluminum Curb Guard ring to protect against damage.
- Efficiency: The design is aerodynamically optimized to support maximum range, with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) testing showing it tracks closely with Tesla’s most efficient production wheel.
- Pricing: Sets of four wheels start from $2,595, with complete wheel and tire packages beginning around $3,300.
- Trade-In Program: A Wheel Trade-In Rebate Program offers up to $1,000 for eligible Tesla OEM wheels.
Engineered for Durability and Efficiency
The UP Forged Road Warrior (UP-RW) wheel was designed to serve as a highly resilient option for daily driving, fleet use, and future autonomous vehicle operations. Each wheel is CNC-forged from 6061-T6 aluminum, giving it a high load rating and robust construction. The integrated aero face was developed to minimize drag, while the forged construction reduces weight to improve responsiveness in city driving.
Key features include a design that enhances ride comfort and protects suspension components from rough road surfaces. The wheels are a direct fit for all Model 3 and Model Y trims, working seamlessly with factory Tesla TPMS, lugs, and brake systems.
Customer Feedback and Real-World Performance
Early adopters of the UP-RW wheels have reported positive results. One Model Y owner noted that the wheels successfully combined aesthetic appeal with efficiency and durability. Another customer with a Model 3 reported achieving significantly better energy consumption, averaging 230-240 Wh/mi on a trip that was previously not possible on a single charge with larger wheels. A Model 3 Performance owner also reported seeing near-rated efficiency during highway driving.
Complete Wheel and Tire Packages
To simplify the purchasing process, Unplugged Performance offers pre-configured Wheel + Tire Packages. These packages come mounted and balanced with tires that the company has validated over extensive testing.
Available tire options include:
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 for all-season performance.
- Michelin X-Ice Snow and Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 for winter conditions.
- Hankook iON evo AS for EV-specific quietness and low rolling resistance.
Each package includes four wheels, four tires, mounting, balancing, and factory-specification Bluetooth TPMS, shipped ready for installation.
Pricing and Trade-In Program
The new 18×8.5 size is available in Satin Black with a Satin Gunmetal integrated ring. All UP-RW wheels fit every Tesla Model 3 and Model Y trim and year worldwide. Wheel sets in the 18-inch size start at $2,595.
To support the launch, Unplugged Performance is offering a $1,000 Wheel Trade-In Rebate for customers who trade in undamaged Tesla OEM wheels when purchasing a new set of UP Forged wheels.
About Unplugged Performance
Founded in 2013, Unplugged Performance specializes in premium performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles. The company develops and manufactures a wide range of products, including wheels, brakes, suspension, and aerodynamic components, from its headquarters in Hawthorne, California. Unplugged Performance provides its products to a global customer base through its website at https://unpluggedperformance.com/ and a network of authorized installers.
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