Tempest Wheels

[cmarshack]

I know I had a lot of questions about the Tempest wheels prior to delivery of my car and there was no thread dedicated to answering those questions.

Question number #1 Are they ugly?
-Yes, but better with the aero caps removed.

Are the hub caps plastic?
-Yes

Are the hub caps removable?
-Yes

Are the center caps removable so they can be placed in the Alloy wheel underneath?
- No

Do other Tesla center caps fit the Tempest Wheels?
- Yes, below is a picture of the Tempest wheels, plastic caps removed and my old split 5 spoke caps installed. I do not know if the Model 3 Cap kit will work, but I would think it would.

 

[ekendahl]

Can you share a shot with them on from each side?

when you took delivery did they mention how much more efficient they are compared to the slipstreams?

 

[cmarshack]

Can you share a shot with them on from each side?

when you took delivery did they mention how much more efficient they are compared to the slipstreams?

The first shot is from the driver's side the second is passenger side.

No, they are not directional.

No mention from sales delivery about the efficiency.

 

[FutureShock]

Wow... they definitely look much better with the aero caps removed. Though perhaps that isn’t saying much.

Still very much wish Tesla offered 19” or 20” turbine-style wheels, though. Now THOSE are lookers.
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[SD Diver]

Wow... they definitely look much better with the aero caps removed. Though perhaps that isn’t saying much.

Still very much wish Tesla offered 19” or 20” turbine-style wheels, though. Now THOSE are lookers.
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Makes me want to keep the 19" cyclones from my current S. Maybe get them powder coated to look new. Or go with the sonic carbons...

 

[Alysashley79]

if this was on the 3 I’d be ok. But for the s which is twice the price. Cmon Tesla. Give us something that doesn’t look like it came off a Toyota Corolla.

 

[Destiny1701]

These have to be the worst wheel set Model S has seen yet.

2012-2015 5 spoke - looked great!
2015/16 cyclones - best design to date.
2016.5-2020 19” - ok..acceptable..not stunning.
2020.3 + - yikes

Just my opinion but seems like Tesla gives less and less thought to aesthetics on the wheels over the years.

 

[ekendahl]

Yes, it's clear that this is a cost cutting measure for Tesla. If they offered a noticeable range increase then I would still want them but Tesla has been quiet about that so far.

 

[FutureShock]

To the OP: Do you notice a range decrease with the wheel covers off, and if so, how much?
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[Cheburashka]

I don't understand why they made the base Model 3 rims much nicer than these.

 

[jpvdheijn]

Can some one share a picture how the car looks with the wheel covers on it?

 

[gbailey]

Sure, here you go. From the web, not my car.

 

[Destiny1701]

Wow ugly as f...

A lot of you are thinking it...there...I said it.

 

[cmarshack]

To the OP: Do you notice a range decrease with the wheel covers off, and if so, how much?
.

I did not drive it long enough with them on, they are hideous. I have moved on to something more appropriate...

 

[Darmie]

Maybe that second picture is distorted a bit, but I think it makes the car look more bubbly. It just doesn't have that sleek look that a Model S should have.

 

[Destiny1701]

Here’s all 4 19” rims since 2012 to present.
I’d have to say the 2014-2016 cyclones are my favorite.

 

[FutureShock]

Wow ugly as f...

A lot of you are thinking it...there...I said it.

You’re not wrong... WTF was Tesla thinking? Terrible.

There’s no point to aero caps if they look so bad that most ppl are just gonna remove ‘em first chance they get.
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[Jughead135]

a picture of the Tempest wheels, plastic caps removed and my old split 5 spoke caps installed. I do not know if the Model 3 Cap kit will work, but I would think it would.

@cmarshack, that looks great!

I'm considering doing the same, but I'd like a slightly different look for the center cap: black Tesla "T" on a matte silver background. Basically, the inverse of what's in this set: https://www.amazon.com/OSIRCAT-Tesla-Wheel-Center-Covers/dp/B07TT2K6MT

I can find several variations of blue or red, and a whole bunch of variations on black, silver, or matte silver--but I'm striking out on finding black-on-silver.

I thought I was getting close at EvAnnex (here: Lug Nut Cover Set for Tesla Model S), where I found this pic:

They sell the lugnut sets at that link, but I can't find the center cap anywhere....

Anyone better at Google than me able to point me in the right direction...? Thanks!

 

[Azathoth]

@cmarshack, that looks great!

I'm considering doing the same, but I'd like a slightly different look for the center cap: black Tesla "T" on a matte silver background. Basically, the inverse of what's in this set: https://www.amazon.com/OSIRCAT-Tesla-Wheel-Center-Covers/dp/B07TT2K6MT

I can find several variations of blue or red, and a whole bunch of variations on black, silver, or matte silver--but I'm striking out on finding black-on-silver.

They sell the lugnut sets at that link, but I can't find the center cap anywhere....

Anyone better at Google than me able to point me in the right direction...? Thanks!

Search for "aero wheel cap kit for tesla" on Amazon. I got the Kenpenri kit with black and silver center caps (which is oddly no longer available). Looks WAY better than the plastic Tempest wheel covers and there's a huge bonus - no more "crackling" sound when the tires are slowly rotating - I discovered that "feature" of the Tempest covers when I summoned my new MS out of the garage. It sounded like driving over bubblepak.

 

[Azathoth]

Here's my MS sans Tempest wheel covers. BTW, I couldn't find the black logo on a silver background either, but these center caps look great in person.

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