Tesla Drivers Can Now Purchase 'Indestructible' Wheels
Unplugged Performance debuted the wheel earlier this week. It's called the UP Forged Road Warrior, or UP-RW. As the name suggests, it's a forged wheel that fits all Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The design is pretty slick, vaguely resembling half a turbofan wheel from the 70s and 80s if you squint. The design highlights one of the wheel's standout features: a forged, aerodynamic disc integrated into the wheel design to maintain nearly the same aerodynamic performance as the factory original. Of course, the main advantage these wheels offer is their resilience. While being touted as 'indestructible,' they also feature a replaceable outside lip that can be easily swapped in the case of damage, most likely curbing.
Although we can't attest firsthand to how these wheels might perform, forged wheels are the go-to choice for anyone putting their car through tough paces. Typically, forged wheels are both lighter and stronger than flow-formed or cast wheels. Forged wheels are crafted from a single piece of aluminum, as opposed to being formed from a liquid being poured into a mold. Unplugged Performance certainly seems to know its way around a Tesla as well. On their website, you can find a vast variety of accessories, including aero kits, brake upgrades, and wheels for other Tesla models.
The biggest downside - arguably the only downside - of forged wheels is the cost of manufacturing. A set of four 19-inch UP-RW wheels will set you back $2,595, while larger 20-inch units will lighten your bank account to the tune of $2,995. That's on the lower end of what a typical forged wheel setup costs. Of course, if you aren't a stickler for aesthetics, there's a much better bang for your buck out there: steel wheels. Old-school steelies (think cop cars and that beat-up '90s Honda driving around your neighborhood) are certainly no less resilient and cost around a quarter of what these UP-RWs will set you back. Although we're not sure how heavy steel wheels would affect range.
Interestingly, Unplugged Performance claims the wheel has been "engineered for Tesla's future Robotaxi fleet," which seems to simultaneously bet big on the success of Tesla's new autonomous ridesharing venture but not on its ability to dodge curbs, potholes, or other road hazards. It's a strange gamble, but we could see many Tesla owners opting for a lifetime-guaranteed forged wheel simply on principle. Of course, the brand stipulates that replacement only occurs under "normal use," with lengthy terms and conditions to accompany it. Sorry, all you would-be WhistlinDiesels. Decent-looking forged wheels with nearly OEM aero and a lifetime warranty for under $3,000 still seems like a screaming deal to us.
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