Tesla Tuner Dares You To Break Their New Wheels
Think all wheels are fragile? This new forged wheel promises to fight curb rash, cracks, and physics itself
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by Brad Anderson
Unplugged says its new wheels are strong enough to resist cracking under pressure.
The rims include an aluminum ring around the edge that can be replaced if damaged.
Each set includes a lifetime replacement guarantee for cracks or bends under normal use.
Rough roads, questionable parallel parking skills, and rims that jut out farther than the tires have all helped turn curbed wheels into a common (and nearly expected) sight on Teslas. Looking to put an end to that trend, Unplugged Performance has rolled out its new 19- and 20-inch UP Forged Warrior Wheels for the Model 3 and Model Y, calling them “the world’s first indestructible wheel.”
It’s a lofty claim, but the design does pack in some genuinely useful features aimed at tackling everyday durability issues Tesla owners face.
Read: Unplugged’s Tesla Model 3 Performance Package Includes $20,000 Carbon Wheels
Unplugged Performance has carved out a strong reputation in the Tesla aftermarket world, and it designed these wheels to handle just about anything owners might throw their way. With that in mind, the company suggests the wheels would be a smart fit for Tesla’s upcoming Robotaxi fleet, including the future Cybercab, as they’re not only exceptionally strong, but apparently, are also “one of the most aerodynamic wheels ever produced.”
Functional Design with Easy Repair
Ignoring some of the hyperbole in the press release, the wheels certainly look quite interesting. They have a semi-aero-disc design with a thick outer lip to improve aerodynamics. Unplugged has then incorporated an aluminum Curb Guard Ring around the outer edge of the wheel, which can be easily replaced if scratched.
That alone will no doubt be a welcome detail for Tesla owners tired of watching their wheels lose the curb battle, one parking attempt at a time.
The company refers to these Forged Road Warrior wheels as “crack-proof,” and even challenges owners to “go ahead, try to break it.” Each wheel has a load rating that exceeds 950 kg (2,094 lbs) and is made from aerospace-grade aluminum. The company is so confident in the wheels that it’s offering a lifetime replacement guarantee for any wheel that is bent or cracked under normal use.
Despite their strength, these Model 3 and Model Y wheels are also very light. The 19-inch version is 23.54 lbs (10.7 kg), while the 20-inch model weighs in at 25.96 lbs (11.8 kg). The wheels are offered in a single finish with matte black spokes and grey aero discs.
How Much do they Cost?
Given all the promises made about the wheels, they’re surprisingly affordable for a set of forged alloys. Unplugged is currently offering a set of four 19-inch wheels for $2,595, or four 20-inch wheels for $2,995.
