Model 3/Model Y Owners: These Forged Wheels Save Energy and Survive Potholes

Unplugged Performance just added a new size to its Road Warrior forged wheel lineup: 18×8.5. It is a direct fit for every Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, including the new 2026 Model Y Performance that opened preorders in the United States this week and has already started European deliveries. A set of four wheels starts from $2,595, and complete Wheel plus Tire Packages begin around $3,300 depending on tire choice.

Road Warrior is built for daily life, not just for photos. Each wheel is CNC-forged from 6061-T6 aluminum with a very high load rating, then protected by a replaceable aluminum Curb Guard ring that takes the hit from potholes and parking rash. If the ring gets scuffed, you can swap it without removing the tire. During development, Unplugged Performance used computational fluid dynamics to shape an aero face that tracked within 0.010 drag coefficient of Tesla’s lowest-drag production wheel, the Photon 18-inch. The benefit is simple: less energy pushed through the air at highway speed and less mass to rotate around town.

There is also a real-world comfort angle. The 18-inch fitment lets you run more sidewall, which softens sharp impacts, lowers the chance of wheel damage, and can take stress off suspension parts when the pavement gets ugly. Pair that with forged construction and a high load capacity, and you get the kind of confidence that makes road trips easy and city driving drama-free. Installation is straightforward because the wheels work with factory tire pressure monitoring sensors, factory lugs, and the stock brake packages across all Model 3 and Model Y trims and years.

Early owners are seeing what the spec sheet promises. One Model Y driver called out the mix of good looks, efficiency, and durability. A Model 3 owner shared highway efficiency around 230 watt hours per mile on the way out and 240 watt hours per mile on the way back with 20-inch Road Warriors, even making a there-and-back track day on a single charge. Another Model 3 Performance owner reported near rated efficiency over a 60-mile freeway run in mixed 70 to 80 miles per hour traffic with the air conditioning blasting.

To remove guesswork, Unplugged Performance ships complete Wheel plus Tire Packages for 18, 19, and 20 inches. Choices include Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 for sharp steering year-round, Michelin X-Ice Snow or Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 for true winter use, and Hankook iON evo AS for electric vehicle-focused low rolling resistance, quiet cabins, and long tread life. Packages arrive mounted and balanced with factory-spec Bluetooth tire pressure monitoring sensors, ready to bolt on.

There is even a savings angle. With the 18-inch launch, Unplugged Performance is extending its Wheel Trade-In Program. Eligible Tesla original equipment manufacturer wheels in undamaged condition can be traded for a rebate up to $1,000 when you buy a new forged set or a complete package.