New 'indestructible' wheel claimed for Tesla
Innovative forged rim from Unplugged Performance launched with Robotaxi use in mind - but it doesn't stop there
Unplugged Performance might be a name you’re familiar with, given they specialise in making properly bonkers Teslas - remember the widebody Plaid? That was them. It took a dozen Cybertrucks to SEMA last year. The LA-based company will also sell you a set of forged 24-inch CYBRSPOKE wheels for them. Suffice it to say that if you want a Tesla spicing up a little, Unplugged is the firm to talk to.
On the face of it, today’s announcement appears relatively minor by the standards of carbon widebody kits and millions of horsepower. Because it seems to be just a set of forged wheels for the Model 3 and Model Y; perhaps a bit racy for most tastes, though with little more to report than that. But there’s more, because Unplugged Performance says its new Road Warrior is the world’s first indestructible wheel for the two cars. While there will be some jokes to be made about Tesla drivers there, the ultimate aim is for these to be fitted to Cybercab and Robotaxi versions. And whatever driving mistakes - or evasive manouvres, let’s be balanced - they might make.
The key is said to be the aluminium Kerb Guard Ring around the circumference of the wheel; it’s replaceable without removing the tyre, and intends to absorb damage from kerbs or potholes. If, somehow, the wheel is still damaged in what Unplugged deems as ‘normal use’, there’s a lifetime replacement guarantee. Which would imply a certain level of confidence in the product. Or a lack of awareness of just what the potholes are like in the UK…
The Road Warrior is said to be ‘purpose-built for high-mileage drivers, commercial operators, and everyday commuters who demand maximum durability, best total cost of ownership economics, all without compromising performance or aesthetics.’ To that end, they are sized for standard Tesla 19- and 20-inch tyres (it would be a bit of an oversight not to) and are within 0.010 Cd of the drag coefficient claimed for Tesla’s 18-inch Photon Aero Covered wheel. So there isn’t going to be a range penalty to pay for the additional protection.
Unplugged will offer the Road Warriors in Satin Black or Satin Gunmetal, both ‘designed to look great on every colour Tesla Model 3 and Model Y’. They cost $2,595 for a set of 19s (currently £1,930), or $2,995 for the 20-inch diameter (£2,230). There’s worldwide shipping available, too, should the roads be especially terrible near you (they likely are).
CEO Ben Schaffer added: “The UP-RW Road Warrior is our Robotaxi wheel and the ultimate EV daily driven wheel…It’s the most durable, most thoughtfully designed wheel we’ve ever made. The Road Warrior is ready for battle in the harshest conditions and will bring a unique peace of mind that these are the last wheels you’ll ever need to purchase with our durability guarantee.” Coming to a YouTube video near you soon…
te as soon as you ding it on a kerb? I'm sure they'll sell millions.In my 34 years of driving I've only destroyed .... no wheels.
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