As you may already know, the 20" Sport wheel option seen here -> Model 3 20" Sport Wheel and Tire Package includes the following:
To slightly lower the car - I can't imagine this is the reasoning, I can't imagine they would advertise and sell a 20" wheel package that lowers just the rear of the vehicle intentionally, and makes no mention of it in the text.
Higher load rating - I don't think this can be the reasoning. The loads achieved by super sticky 18/19" tires would likely outweigh any marginal increase in weight from the 20" wheel & tire package.
To create proper clearance for the wheel/tire - The outer diameter of the 20" setup is virtually the same, and the width/offset are fairly conservative (20x8.5 +35 or +40 IIRC). So, I can't see it as related to wheel/tire-fender clearance. Furthermore, there are tons of TM3 owners with 20" aftermarket wheels.
To add some negative camber, to increase handling performance - There is no OE camber adjustment, perhaps these slightly modified fore links add just a small amount of negative camber to optimize performance of the "Sport" wheel/tire combo? Perhaps the OE camber spec in the rear of the TM3 was not "ideal" for track times, but rather normal/efficient driving, so Tesla included this slight change to the "Sport Wheel" package, as well as the Performance Option on Performance AWD, as those who purchase either of these would be those looking to get maximum performance? Has anyone checked the camber before / after installing the 20" Sport upper fore links? I would be pleasantly surprised if this was the reasoning, I'm not sure any OEM would mandate an extra part purely for maximum performance in ideal environments, but who knows?
I'm not sure the internet has the answer as I've spent quite a bit of time sifting the web for details, but came up short. I'm hoping I missed something and that someone here knows for sure the difference. If not, let's see if we can find an answer! Theories are welcome, but please don't post anything as the "definitive answer", unless you know it absolutely to be the case.
Oh, and is anyone in the process of upgrading their non-20" wheels to the Sport wheels? Maybe we can see some pics of the new RUCAs before installation Vs old RUCAs after install? Wishful thinking
- 4 x 20X8.5J Sport wheels
- 4 x 235/35/20 – Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
- 4 x tire pressure sensors
- 4 x Tesla logo Sport wheel center caps
- 2 x rear upper fore links
To slightly lower the car - I can't imagine this is the reasoning, I can't imagine they would advertise and sell a 20" wheel package that lowers just the rear of the vehicle intentionally, and makes no mention of it in the text.
Higher load rating - I don't think this can be the reasoning. The loads achieved by super sticky 18/19" tires would likely outweigh any marginal increase in weight from the 20" wheel & tire package.
To create proper clearance for the wheel/tire - The outer diameter of the 20" setup is virtually the same, and the width/offset are fairly conservative (20x8.5 +35 or +40 IIRC). So, I can't see it as related to wheel/tire-fender clearance. Furthermore, there are tons of TM3 owners with 20" aftermarket wheels.
To add some negative camber, to increase handling performance - There is no OE camber adjustment, perhaps these slightly modified fore links add just a small amount of negative camber to optimize performance of the "Sport" wheel/tire combo? Perhaps the OE camber spec in the rear of the TM3 was not "ideal" for track times, but rather normal/efficient driving, so Tesla included this slight change to the "Sport Wheel" package, as well as the Performance Option on Performance AWD, as those who purchase either of these would be those looking to get maximum performance? Has anyone checked the camber before / after installing the 20" Sport upper fore links? I would be pleasantly surprised if this was the reasoning, I'm not sure any OEM would mandate an extra part purely for maximum performance in ideal environments, but who knows?
I'm not sure the internet has the answer as I've spent quite a bit of time sifting the web for details, but came up short. I'm hoping I missed something and that someone here knows for sure the difference. If not, let's see if we can find an answer! Theories are welcome, but please don't post anything as the "definitive answer", unless you know it absolutely to be the case.
Oh, and is anyone in the process of upgrading their non-20" wheels to the Sport wheels? Maybe we can see some pics of the new RUCAs before installation Vs old RUCAs after install? Wishful thinking