Unplugged Performance, widely recognized as the global leader in Tesla performance and durability upgrades, has unveiled a new addition to its Forged Road Warrior (UP-RW) wheel lineup. The company is now offering an 18×8.5-inch fitment designed specifically for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. This release comes as Tesla opens preorders for the 2026 Model Y Performance in the U.S. and begins deliveries across Europe. The new wheel is engineered to handle the rigors of daily driving, fleets, and future Robotaxi operations.
Engineered for Durability and Efficiency
Developed as the first truly “indestructible” daily-duty wheel for Tesla owners, fleets, and future Robotaxi use, the UP-RW is CNC-forged from aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum and built to handle extreme real-world abuse. A standout feature is its replaceable aluminum Curb Guard ring, designed to shield against potholes and parking scrapes, and easily swapped without removing the tire. Aerodynamically refined using CFD analysis, the UP-RW’s aero-face design achieved results within 0.010 Cd of Tesla’s most efficient production wheel, the Photon 18-inch. The outcome is a wheel that preserves long-range efficiency on the highway while cutting unsprung weight for sharper response and smoother driving in everyday conditions.
What sets the UP Forged Road Warrior apart is its ability to blend efficiency, comfort, and confidence into one purpose-built design. Its lightweight forged construction and aero-forward face help maximize range between charges by reducing both rotational mass and drag, allowing the car to move through the air with less effort. The 18-inch size also adds valuable tire sidewall for improved ride comfort and impact absorption, helping protect the wheel and suspension components from potholes and rough roads. With its high load capacity and forged toughness, drivers gain confidence in every scenario, from tight urban parking to long highway drives. Designed as a direct fit for all Tesla Model 3 and Model Y trims, it works seamlessly with the factory TPMS sensors, lug nuts, and brake systems for an actual plug-and-play upgrade.
Related: Unplugged’s INVINCIBLE lift kit raises Cybertruck 2.5 inches
Widespread Availability and Pricing
Unplugged Performance offers complete, mounted, and balanced UP-RW wheel and tire packages for both Model 3 and Model Y in 18-, 19-, and 20-inch sizes. Packages are built around tires the team has raced, daily driven, and validated over hundreds of thousands of miles. Drivers can choose the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 for year-round grip and crisp steering feel. For winter service, the lineup includes the Michelin X-Ice Snow and Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3, which offer three-peak mountain snowflake confidence. Alternatively, the Hankook iON evo AS provides EV-specific low rolling resistance, a quiet cabin, and long tread life. Each package includes four UP-RW wheels, four tires, professional mounting and balancing, and factory-spec Bluetooth TPMS, shipped ready to bolt on.
Pricing starts at $2,595 for a set of four wheels, with complete wheel-and-tire packages beginning around $3,300, depending on configuration. Early customer results confirm the balance of efficiency and durability; a Model 3 Performance owner reported seeing near-rated efficiency, and occasionally better, on a 60-mile flat freeway trip with mixed traffic at 70–80 mph. For a more detailed look at these evolutionary wheels, please take a look at the media gallery below.
Leave a Reply