Tesla Aftermarket Firm Asserts It Has Created an ‘Indestructible’ Wheel for Rideshare Operators

      Unplugged Performance

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      Typically, forged wheels are associated with high-performance vehicles that endure track conditions. They offer greater strength compared to the cast wheels used in most OEM and aftermarket products, albeit at a significantly higher price point. However, one Tesla aftermarket specialist is targeting a different market with their new line of forged rims: aggressive Uber drivers and future robotaxi operators who regularly navigate pothole-ridden roads. They have even branded their product as “indestructible.”

      This is a bold assertion, particularly since Unplugged Performance is offering these “Road Warrior” wheels with a “lifetime replacement guarantee” for any bends or cracks. On one hand, this demonstrates confidence in the product, which is reassuring; on the other hand, if there’s even a chance they could bend or crack, then they aren’t truly indestructible, are they?

      Putting marketing claims aside, forged wheels are generally quite robust, and Unplugged reports that its Road Warrior design is just 0.01 Cd away from Tesla’s lowest-drag factory wheel due to a “structurally integrated forged aerodynamic disc” that reduces turbulence. From the side, the Road Warrior wheel has a unique appearance, combining a standard aftermarket 10-spoke design with a large, chamfered plate along the inner edge.

      Unplugged Performance

      The outer edge of the wheel is also noteworthy, as Unplugged includes swappable aluminum guards to protect against curb damage, as seen in one of the images above. This is a sensible idea since rideshare drivers likely encounter curbs frequently. However, a two-pack of guards is priced at $80 according to the company’s website, and a particularly careless or inattentive parker could quickly go through them.

      At this point, it’s worth mentioning the classic solution for those genuinely worried about potholes: steel wheels paired with tires featuring thick sidewalls. They look good on virtually any vehicle—even Teslas, despite what your passengers might say. Although they may add unsprung weight and drag, if your primary concern is cost, as road warriors often have, they will hold up to almost anything.

      Returning to Unplugged’s “indestructible” wheels, they are priced at $2,595 for a 19×8.5 set and $2,995 for a 20×8.5 set. This pricing is relatively affordable for forged wheels, although we cannot vouch for their quality. They are designed to fit the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, with the latter also being the automaker’s first “Robotaxi” autonomous vehicles appearing in cities like San Francisco.

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