[Speculation] Production 18" Wheels without Aero Cover

[harcocjh]

Here it is! I had a feeling after not seeing the light colored outline around the aero covers that they might have gone with a gray wheel to match and sure enough! Plus it has a center cap with Tesla symbol. Looks pretty nice! Definitely makes the decision to go with the 18's a lot easier for me!

 

[WileyTheMan]

You know, this picture does help because I want red. I may save myself $1,500 and go aero, knowing i can ditch the covers and the wheels will still look nice.

 

[pkalhan]

are 19s that much worse than 18s with regards to road comfort? I still like the way the 19s look though the 18s look better without the covers.

 

[Sportstick]

are 19s that much worse than 18s with regards to road comfort? I still like the way the 19s look though the 18s look better without the covers.

Yes

 

[VT_EE]

They look pretty damn good. I'll probably get these now and ditch the covers except on long road trips.

 

[VT_EE]

are 19s that much worse than 18s with regards to road comfort? I still like the way the 19s look though the 18s look better without the covers.

My concern with the 19s is durability. The lower profile tires make potholes far more dangerous to the wheel.

 

[AlanSqB]

Yeah, I'm gonna need to find a wrap that matches that color exactly to cover all that chrome. And I think I just switched from blue to red.

 

[chronopc]

Yeah, I'm gonna need to find a wrap that matches that color exactly to cover all that chrome. And I think I just switched from blue to red.

If you're going to wrap it, you should get the black paint and save yourself $1k.

 

[bmms8]

You may be right but you have 0 confirmation.

 

[jsrawa]

If that is what's underneath I think a lot will opt for the aero covers. To me they don't look as bad underneath in the darker color and you have the added ability to remove or apply the aero covers as needed if your taking a long trip and want to increase efficiency. They will probably resist brake dust discoloration better as well.

 

[AlanSqB]

If you're going to wrap it, you should get the black paint and save yourself $1k.

No, just the chrome. I hate chrome. I need it to go away.

 

[AlanSqB]

You may be right but you have 0 confirmation.

I have to admit that I'm in the "Skeptical until I see a video of the covers being removed and revealing this wheel underneath" camp. However, my hopes are up. I looked at both side by side earlier and I have to admit that it's a possibility.

 

[CheeseJam]

Here's some more pictures:

Tesla Model 3 in Fremont Cali Office
Tesla Model 3 - 18" rims without aero wheel cover.

 

[EdFerg]

I'm not 100% sure those are aero wheels minus the covers. The spokes don't have the same contours as the spokes partially shown on covered aero wheel close-ups I've seen. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[timk225]

The Aero wheels are a bare aluminum color, no paint on them. These may be the Aeros, but they have been painted.

Not the best looking wheel, but if it keeps me on 18 inch wheels, saves me the $1500 highway robbery "upgrade" that Tesla offers, plus saves me the $600 or so for cheap aftermarket wheels, I guess I can live with them.

Got to find out what paint color and finishing proceedure this is. I know a paint & body shop that will give me a good deal.

The stock unpainted Aero wheels have a very rough as-cast surface, these look sanded / polished. And the black plastic lug nut caps don't come stock on Aeros, either.

 

[AlanSqB]

Based on the placement and the appearance of the valve stem, I'm really starting to think these are the real deal. There really wouldn't be much of a reason to put the valve exactly where it is unless it had to be there for the covers.

Just to the right/rear of the valve stem is the "wedge" with the bump on the edge of the rim. Everywhere there is one of those, there is a blade on the aero.

 

[AssortedBread]

The Aero wheels are a bare aluminum color, no paint on them. These may be the Aeros, but they have been painted.

Not the best looking wheel, but if it keeps me on 18 inch wheels, saves me the $1500 highway robbery "upgrade" that Tesla offers, plus saves me the $600 or so for cheap aftermarket wheels, I guess I can live with them.

Got to find out what paint color and finishing proceedure this is. I know a paint & body shop that will give me a good deal.

The stock unpainted Aero wheels have a very rough as-cast surface, these look sanded / polished.

I think your confusing RC aero wheels with production aero wheels.

 

[chronopc]

No, just the chrome. I hate chrome. I need it to go away.

Chrome with the silver paint looks good. Chrome with other colors....

 

[03DSG]

The Aero wheels are a bare aluminum color, no paint on them. These may be the Aeros, but they have been painted.

Not the best looking wheel, but if it keeps me on 18 inch wheels, saves me the $1500 highway robbery "upgrade" that Tesla offers, plus saves me the $600 or so for cheap aftermarket wheels, I guess I can live with them.

Got to find out what paint color and finishing proceedure this is. I know a paint & body shop that will give me a good deal.

The stock unpainted Aero wheels have a very rough as-cast surface, these look sanded / polished. And the black plastic lug nut caps don't come stock on Aeros, either.

Those were RC's. These are production. I think they look great. Anyone ordering the base wheels will have 2 choices. Very cool. BTW $1500 upgrade for quality 19" wheels WITH 19" tires over the 18's is not highway robbery.

 

[insaneoctane]

Color me stupid. What is the picture of? Are those base wheels, minus aero cover and then painted black?