Tesla surprises the world once again. This time, it's not about a new model or innovative software, but about the wheels.
Unplugged Performance, the California-based company known for its top-level accessories for Tesla, has introduced the UP Forged Road Warrior (UP-RW). According to the company, this wheel is "indestructible" and designed with autonomous mobility in mind.
Unplugged Performance: Experience and prestige
Founded in 2013 by Ben Schaffer in Hawthorne, California, Unplugged Performance has become synonymous with top-level and performance. The company specializes in upgrading and customizing Tesla vehicles. Its catalog includes everything from wheels and suspension systems to carbon fiber body kits.
It's not just an accessory company. It collaborates with Tesla on projects like Cybertruck and with Koenigsegg Advanced Manufacturing to ensure the quality and precision of its products. Each part is designed, prototyped, and manufactured with a focus on performance and durability.
UP Forged Road Warrior: A wheel for the future
The UP-RW is specifically designed for autonomous fleets and Tesla's Cybercab and Robotaxi. Its construction uses aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, making it ultra-lightweight and impact-resistant.
It features a curb-protection ring, which can be replaced without removing the wheel or the tire. This not only prevents damage but also simplifies maintenance. The company even offers a lifetime warranty if the wheel bends or cracks, a sign of trust in its durability.
Performance and compatibility
The design of the UP-RW is more than aesthetic. It's aerodynamic, optimized for efficiency both in the city and on the highway. In wind tunnel tests, it showed results comparable to Tesla's 18 in. (45.7 cm) Photon Aero Covered wheel, a benchmark in aerodynamic resistance.
The wheel is compatible with Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, so it doesn't require any modifications to the vehicle. Unplugged Performance states that this is one of the most efficient and durable wheels they've ever manufactured.
Price and availability
As expected for a top-level product, the price is high. A set of four 19 in. (48.3 cm) wheels costs $2,595, while the 20 in. (50.8 cm) wheels are sold for $2,575. The limited-time offer includes free hubcaps and protective rings and doesn't include taxes.
The UP-RW is not just an accessory; it's a bet on the future of autonomous mobility. With it, Tesla and Unplugged Performance show that innovation can reach every detail, even something as basic as wheels. For technology and electric car enthusiasts, this wheel represents another step toward more efficient, safer, and futuristic vehicles.