Aftermarket Tesla Wheel Manufacturer Announces Development of Supposedly Unbreakable Wheel for Uber-Style Operators
Unplugged Performance has introduced a new line of forged wheels, the Road Warrior, designed for high-performance vehicles, including Uber drivers and future robotaxi operators. The wheels are marketed as exceptionally durable and virtually "indestructible" in everyday use, backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee against bending or cracking.
The Road Warrior wheels are made from 6061-T6 forged aluminum, a strong material rated to handle loads exceeding 950 kg per wheel, making them the strongest available for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The design includes a narrower 8.5-inch width, allowing the OEM tires to bulge slightly, creating a "tire pillow" that protects the wheel lip from curb damage. An integrated, replaceable Curb Guard ring surrounds the outer lip, allowing minor curb damage to be repaired without replacing the entire wheel or removing tires.
The wheels also boast aerodynamic features, such as a structurally integrated forged aerodynamic disc, which minimizes drag, a benefit for fleet efficiency, such as a future Tesla robotaxi fleet. Unplugged Performance ships the Road Warrior wheels with swappable aluminum guards to further protect against curb rash.
While the term "indestructible" is more a marketing claim than absolute fact, the Road Warrior forged wheels are among the strongest and most durable available on the market for Tesla vehicles. They are purpose-built to endure the rigors faced by heavy-use rideshare and future robotaxi applications. Despite the robust features, Unplugged Performance candidly offers a lifetime replacement policy if customers manage to bend or crack the wheels.
The cost of the Road Warrior forged wheels is not specified in the article, but they are more expensive than most OEM and aftermarket cast wheels. The fitment of the forged wheels is geared for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. The swappable aluminum guards, designed to protect against curb rash, cost $80 per two-pack, according to the company's website.
The Model Y, the first "Robotaxi" autonomous vehicle from Tesla, is popping up in cities like San Francisco. With the rise of ride-sharing and autonomous vehicles, the demand for durable, high-performance wheels like the Road Warrior is expected to increase.
[1] Unplugged Performance. (n.d.). Road Warrior Forged Wheels. Retrieved from https://www.unpluggedperformance.com/products/road-warrior-forged-wheels
[2] Electrek. (2021, March 11). Unplugged Performance launches Road Warrior forged wheels for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Retrieved from https://electrek.co/2021/03/11/unplugged-performance-launches-road-warrior-forged-wheels-for-tesla-model-3-and-model-y/
[3] Tesla Motors Club. (2021, March 11). Unplugged Performance Road Warrior Forged Wheels for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Retrieved from https://www.teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/unplugged-performance-road-warrior-forged-wheels-for-tesla-model-3-and-model-y.1141444/
[4] InsideEVs. (2021, March 11). Unplugged Performance Launches Road Warrior Forged Wheels for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Retrieved from https://insideevs.com/news/500560/unplugged-performance-launches-road-warrior-forged-wheels-for-tesla-model-3-and-model-y/
The Road Warrior forged wheels, designed for high-performance vehicles like Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, are renowned for their durability, making them suitable for urban lifestyles that demand resilience, such as ride-sharing and future robotaxi applications. These wheels, equipped with aerodynamic features and protected by an integrated Curb Guard ring, are a testament to the intersection of technology and car-maintenance, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles like Tesla's Model Y.
