Unplugged Performance has launched the UP‑RW forged wheel, a new accessory aimed at owners of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. The company markets the product as lightweight, aerodynamic and built for both current drivers and future autonomous fleets.
New forged wheel targets Tesla owners
The UP‑RW arrives in two finishes—Satin Black and Satin Gunmetal—and is offered in 19‑inch and 20‑inch sizes that match the factory non‑staggered wheel setups. By using the same bolt pattern, owners can keep their existing tires, which they say helps avoid extra expense.
Pricing is positioned to appeal to a broad market. A set of four 19‑inch wheels costs $2,595, while the 20‑inch option starts at $2,995. Both configurations include billet‑forged center caps and a replaceable curb‑guard ring as standard equipment.
Global shipping is listed as part of the rollout, meaning the product is intended for Tesla drivers worldwide, not just a regional niche.
Design features and performance claims
At the core of the wheel’s construction is forged 6061‑T6 aluminum, a material known for combining strength with low weight. The design incorporates an aerodynamic disc that they say reduces turbulence and drag, a claim backed by computational fluid trends testing.
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In those CFD simulations, the wheel’s drag coefficient was reported to be within 0.010 of Tesla’s own 18‑inch Photon Aero Covered wheel, which is among the most efficient wheels the automaker produces. The difference is small enough that the UP‑RW ranks near the top of aerodynamic performance for aftermarket Tesla wheels.
Beyond aerodynamics, the wheel’s reduced mass is expected to improve energy efficiency. They note that lighter wheels can help extend range in both highway cruising and stop‑and‑go city traffic, a benefit that could matter to daily commuters and commercial operators alike.
The wheel also features a replaceable aluminum curb‑guard ring. This outer ring acts as a sacrificial barrier, protecting the wheel from curb strikes or pothole impacts. According to the manufacturer, the ring can be swapped without removing the tire, simplifying repairs and lowering maintenance costs.
Unplugged Performance backs the product with a lifetime replacement guarantee.
Against bends or cracks under regular use, though terms and conditions apply. The guarantee aims to provide owners with confidence that the wheel will endure high‑mileage use, especially in fleets that may be operating as future robotaxis.
Ben Schaffer, chief executive of the company, called the wheel “the most durable, most thoughtfully designed wheel we’ve ever made.” He added that the product is ready for “the harshest conditions” and offers “peace of mind” that owners may not need to replace wheels again.
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From a practical standpoint, the curb‑guard concept could reduce downtime for fleet managers. If a vehicle encounters a curb strike, a quick ring swap might keep the vehicle on the road while avoiding a full wheel replacement. That simplicity may translate into lower operating costs for businesses that rely on high‑utilization electric vehicles.
While the performance figures are promising, real‑world testing will ultimately determine the wheel’s impact on range and durability. Early adopters will likely share mileage data that could confirm or challenge its efficiency claims.
The introduction of the UP‑RW reflects a broader trend of specialized aftermarket parts designed for electric vehicles. As manufacturers push toward autonomous capabilities, accessories that promise durability and efficiency are becoming more valuable to both private owners and commercial operators.
For those interested in visual details, they have posted a video and a photo series featuring the wheel on a red Model 3 and a Quicksilver Model Y. The media showcases the two‑tone finish and the curb‑guard ring in situ.
Overall, the wheel aims to blend performance, durability and ease of maintenance into a single package that fits the evolving needs of Tesla drivers.
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