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: a robust 18×8.5-inch fitment. Engineered specifically for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, the new wheel is fully compatible with the recently announced 2026 Model Y Performance, which has just opened for preorder in the U.S. and is now being delivered across Europe. Pricing starts at $2,595 for a set of four wheels, with complete wheel-and-tire packages beginning around $3,300, depending on configuration.
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 makes this wheel special?
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, forged toughness, and replaceable Curb Guard ring, 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.
Customer results and real-world feedback
Early customers are already praising the UP Forged Road Warrior for delivering the perfect balance of efficiency, durability, and design. Its lightweight forged construction and aero-forward face help maximize range, while the added sidewall and replaceable Curb Guard ring provide protection and peace of mind on rough roads. Drivers appreciate the confidence it brings, from everyday city driving to long road trips. The direct-fit design ensures a seamless upgrade, resulting in nearly universal satisfaction with both performance and convenience.
“Awesome real world efficiency numbers for the new Unplugged Performance Road Warrior wheels. I am now seeing near-rated efficiency, and occasionally better, on my modified 2019 Model 3 Performance. Sixty miles of flat freeway with mixed traffic at 70–80 mph and a hot round trip with the AC blasting. Two hundred fifty miles in and super happy.” — Model 3 Performance owner
Unplugged approved wheel and tire packages
To remove guesswork, 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, including:
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 for year-round grip and crisp steering feel.
- Michelin X-Ice Snow and Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 for true winter service and three-peak mountain snowflake confidence.
- Hankook iON evo AS for EV-specific low rolling resistance, 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. A perfect no-brainer solution for owners that want to get a fully mounted and balanced set of wheels that they can install without any worry about fitment, sizes, or anything else.
The UP-RW 18×8.5 +32 joins the existing 19×8.5 +32 and 20×8.5 +32 sizes and is now available in Satin Black with a Satin Gunmetal integrated ring. All sizes fit every Tesla Model 3 and Model Y trim and year worldwide, including Performance, Long Range AWD, and RWD. Unplugged Performance ships globally. UP-RW wheel sets start at $2,595 for a set of four in the new 18×8.5 size. Complete wheel and tire packages typically start at around $3,300, depending on the tire selection and size.
For a more detailed look at these evolutionary wheels, please take a look at the media gallery below.
