Would You Pick Tesla’s $8,000 FSD—or This Killer Aero Kit Instead?
- New aero kit improves downforce and lowers drag
- Components can be purchased individually or as a set
- With the wheels, the total upgrades cost as much as the FSD suite
Revealed in late August, the Tesla Model Y Performance is one of the quickest crossovers you can buy for under $60,000, with the ability to launch itself from zero to 60 in only 3.3 seconds. The performance upgrades are tasteful but not overbearing, from the larger wheels to the carbon spoiler.
It still doesn’t look as quick as it is, though, and that’s where Unplugged Performance’s new aerodynamic kit for the flagship Tesla Model Y comes in. Founded in 2013 and based in California, Unplugged Performance has already released a range of performance and design upgrades for other Tesla models, and now it’s the turn of the most powerful Model Y.
Better Downforce and Reduced Drag
Tesla Model Y Performance with Aero Kit Unplugged Performance
Unplugged Performance claims a 2.4% reduction in drag when the Model Y performance is equipped with its aero enhancements. The net downforce also improves, which creates better grip and highway stability.
The Model Y Performance Aero Kit consists of five main components, which can be purchased individually or as a complete set:
- Front lip splitter
- Front aero canards
- High-efficiency rear fins
- High-efficiency rear diffuser extension
- High-efficiency trunk spoiler
Not only do these components give the Model Y Performance more visual punch, but everything is functional, too. For instance, the front aero canards manage airflow along the bumper corners, which benefits turn-in response and side stability, while the trunk spoiler helps to stabilize the crossover’s rear at higher speeds.
Unplugged Performance
The components are available in painted gloss black and are “finished to OEM standards”. The tuner claims better real-world efficiency, thanks to the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling and geometry, but hasn’t gone so far as to claim a range above the stock model’s 306 miles. Furthermore, the car is claimed to track truer in crosswinds.
Related: Is the Tesla Model Y Worth $6,500 More Than the Ford Mustang Mach-E?
How Much Is The Kit?
According to the tuner’s site, the full aero kit will cost $2,195. That increases to $2,595 if you want to add either satin or gloss mirror covers. Individual parts range from $295 for the high-efficiency rear fins to $475 for the high-efficiency front splitter.
The wheels pictured here don’t form part of the aero kit. They’re forged, Y-spoke items that cost between $3,595 and $5,595 for the Model Y. Wheel diameters of between 18 and 21 inches are available, as are multiple finishes. Unplugged has a wide range of wheel upgrades for all Teslas, including at least 17 unique designs for the Model Y alone.
Combined, the best wheels and complete aero kit will cost you $8,190, but there’s an even more desirable option you can buy for the same amount.
Full Self-Driving or An Aero Kit? The $8k Question
Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) self-driving system costs $8,000, making it almost exactly the same price as Unplugged Performance’s complete aero kit plus wheels. By now, the capabilities of Tesla’s Level 2 system are widely documented—it’s able to complete entire commutes with minimal or no driver intervention.
Version 14.1 of FSD started rolling out this week, and it features a long list of new features and improvements.
Since the self-driving tech is such a huge part of owning a modern Tesla, we’re guessing most would choose FSD over an aero kit and wheels at the same price. Get both, and you’ll be at the helm of one of the quickest, most tech-heavy EVs around—and one that looks the part, too.
