If a car exists, there will be a company or individual somewhere dedicated to modifying it. This rule has existed since the inception of the automobile.
Unplugged Performance (UP) is one such company dedicated to turning the Teslas we see in everyday traffic into bespoke creations for enthusiasts with deep enough pockets. Their latest client, podcast giant Joe Rogan, commissioned UP to transform a Tesla Model S Plaid into something that was a “blend of class and aggression.”
Unplugged Performance
Related: The art of telling compelling stories with automotive photography
Joe Rogan’s Tesla is a carbon fiber lover’s dream
Dubbed “S-APEX,” this Model S Plaid received every carbon fiber option from UP’s catalog, including a 19-piece carbon fiber widebody kit that makes it 80mm wider, carbon fiber rocker panels with a Koenigsegg Advanced Manufacturing aerodynamic shark fin for better airflow, dry carbon fiber brake ducts at the front, and a full dry carbon fiber hatchback with an integrated rear spoiler.
S-APEX rides on UP’s bespoke UP-03 forged monoblock wheels with 285/30 and 305/30 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires front and rear and a UP Big Brake Kit with Carbon Ceramic front and rear brakes.
Unplugged Performance
The suspension has been equally upgraded, with UP’s in-house forged billet suspension arms at all four corners. The team reportedly took into account the challenging roads of Texas ranches and left the Model S Plaid sitting high enough to tackle them while still improving handling and driving.
Related: Tesla hits Canadian buyers with major price hikes — here’s what’s changing
The interior received special touches as well
While the car may look white, it hides a subtle blue pearl in the right light that’s honestly kind of snazzy. The interior is equally as bespoke, with the standard Plaid sport seats wearing sustainable Banbū leather created by von Holzhausen in a supposedly special shade of Alpine White with diamond stitchwork.
Unplugged Performance
Related: Biden admin commits $635 million to EVs in final days
Final thoughts
I may not be the best person to judge this creation, considering I find Tesla’s designs dull and dislike carbon fiber, but this isn’t a bad-looking car. It definitely fits the look of class and aggression that Joe was looking for, and I have to give props to Unplugged Performance for the execution.
The Model S Plaid, on its own, is a 1,020 hp beast, with a 0-60 mph time of 1.99 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph. We can only imagine how those numbers have improved with so many carbon fiber parts added on. Unplugged Performance didn’t mention the car’s new curb weight or any new performance figures, but hopefully, Joe will give us the scoop himself.
The total cost of this carbon creation is also omitted from the page, but considering that a Model S Plaid retails for $94,990 and this is a one-off build, we’ll let your imagination run wild.
Related: Ford BlueCruise faces scrutiny after fatal Mustang Mach-E crashes