New 18” Pinwheel Refresh Caps

[zhu-]

Going to a 225 would make some sense to eek out every extra mile of range, not saying it’s happening since it doesn’t seem like it is, but I could see them doing it to get an extra 1% of efficiency.

Well then where would it end? It could go 155 or 175 like BMW i3 and get even more range.

 

[McMoo]

Well then where would it end? It could go 155 or 175 like BMW i3 and get even more range.

Probably end at 225...it’s still a heavy sport sedan so can’t completely go to i3 levels, which are just for efficiency. There still needs to be good handling and braking performance.

Anyways, I hope Tesla sells the new covers soon since I’d like to try them out.

 

[Fernand]

Maybe buying a set of the new ones is where those of us who removed our mattel-look covers can get 5% more range?

 

[Zoomit]

Looks like the 18” wheels on the 2021 Model 3 will get a newly tweaked MXM4 tire as well.

Thread: New T1 Primacy MXM4 tire

 

[CanadianMetal]

I would like to get this as well when they go on sale.

And agreed, Tesla should have had this color from the beginning.

 

[MatildaModelY]

When are the new pinwheel caps available?

 

[cypho]

Can someone describe the difference? I'm squinting at all these pictures and I can't see how the new design is any different than the old? All I can see is the colors look slightly different but that could easily be explained by different lighting conditions.

 

[McMoo]

Can someone describe the difference? I'm squinting at all these pictures and I can't see how the new design is any different than the old? All I can see is the colors look slightly different but that could easily be explained by different lighting conditions.

To me, the old ones look more rounded and bulbous both in design of the cover itself and the openings of the cover. The new ones look sleeker and flatter and have more angled openings and a larger gray part.

 

[jawnly211]

any word or sneak pics of the stock 18s underneath?

hoping they are gloss black to match the new trim

 

[ElectricIAC]

I guess tesla is/was considering going with narrower tires, but 225 would also need narrower rims.
Maybe they weren't ready and tesla skipped this part of the upgrade.

225/35R19 have 4,2% smaller diameter than current tires and would need FW update to show correct speed.

Or that’s how they’re getting more “efficiency”

 

[MatildaModelY]

any word or sneak pics of the stock 18s underneath?

hoping they are gloss black to match the new trim

I think earlier in the thread or on the Model 3 Refresh!? thread they mentioned that it's the same wheel underneath and it's just new hubcaps on top.

 

[Zoomit]

any word or sneak pics of the stock 18s underneath?

hoping they are gloss black to match the new trim

Here are pictures of refreshed Model 3’s with the same, original 18” Aero wheels.

 

[ca-r$m]

I’d definitely pay to upgrade the covers on my 2018 to the refreshed 2021s... will keep an eye out for them!

 

[Zoomit]

Here are pictures of refreshed Model 3’s with the same, original 18” Aero wheels.

Looks like I was mistaken. The 18" Aero wheels are getting a slight refresh along with the Pinwheel caps. They looked the same to me in the previous pictures, but this Teslarati post has pictures that show the differences better.

Tesla begins shipment of 'refreshed' Model 3s from Fremont factory

 

[pdx_m3s]

Looks the same to me.

 

[Zoomit]

The new wheels are in the EPC now.

Original:
WHEEL, 18X8.5J ET40, AERO
1234221-00-C

New:
WHEEL, 18X8.5J ET40, PINWHEEL REFRESH
1234261-00-A

 

[boiler81]

I'm likely going to get a set of the Orbital Aero covers, when they start shipping.
I like that they make the aero wheel look like 19" by cover the rim (and any rim rash).

 

[AlanSubie4Life]

The new wheels are in the EPC now.

Original:
WHEEL, 18X8.5J ET40, AERO
1234221-00-C

New:
WHEEL, 18X8.5J ET40, PINWHEEL REFRESH
1234261-00-A

I wonder if they have a slightly larger barrel diameter and will fit over the Performance brakes? Probably not. Sad!

 

[fr100]

Looks like they have sharper, more angled edges than the original.

 

[Gasaraki]

Looks the same to me.

The spokes look more angular.