JOE ROGAN'S UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE S-APEX MODEL S PLAID IS AFTERMARKET EV PERFECTION!
Since 2013, Unplugged Performance (UP) has been the place to go if you want to do any kind of modifications to a Tesla. The company is at the forefront of anything and everything Tesla in the aftermarket sphere, from maintenance stuff to modifications and as you can see, complete special projects. UP’s reputation for taking Tesla’s already potent platforms and elevating them into bespoke, high-performance machines is the stuff of EV legend and the California-based has just created something very special - a one-of-one S-APEX commission for none other than Joe Rogan - the world’s most recognized podcast voice and a longtime Tesla enthusiast. Rogan has never been shy about his love for the Model S Plaid or his respect for UP’s work, but this build takes things to a whole new level. When he reached out to have an S-APEX built to his exact vision, the UP team knew they had to deliver something extraordinary. The process was a true collaboration, with Rogan actively involved in every step, ensuring the final product was the perfect balance of aggression, luxury, and daily usability. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his mentions of UP’s work on his podcast - alongside guests like Elon Musk and Chris Harris - only made this project even more special. The S-APEX is designed to push the limits of the Model S Plaid’s performance while amplifying its presence on the road. The exterior is a masterclass in carbon fibre craftsmanship, featuring a full 19-piece prepreg carbon widebody kit that extends the car’s width by 80mm. Nestled within those widened arches are UP-03 forged monoblock wheels—lightweight, nearly indestructible, and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber (285/30 front, 305/30 rear). The carbon rocker panels incorporate Koenigsegg-inspired aerodynamic shark fins to optimize airflow, while new dry carbon brake ducts and a full carbon hatchback with an integrated spoiler enhance both weight savings and aerodynamics.
Not every statement needs to be loud. Rogan’s S-APEX sports a custom-mixed blue pearl white paint, shifting between rich blues, greens, and gold depending on the light. XPEL Stealth Paint Protection Film adds a durable satin finish, ensuring the car’s striking presence remains pristine. The custom-woven carbon fibre - UP’s signature large weave - appears glossy black at a glance but reveals shimmering silver and gold threads under sunlight, adding layers of visual depth. Inside, the S-APEX is just as bespoke. The interior is reskinned in von Holzhausen’s sustainable Banbū leather, a custom Alpine White shade wrapping Tesla’s next-gen Plaid sport seats. These heated and ventilated seats feature improved bolstering, making them as suited for track days as they are for long-haul drives. Intricate stitchwork adds a handcrafted touch while maintaining the sleek, modern aesthetic. Texas ranch roads demand versatility, and the S-APEX delivers. The ride height is optimized for real-world usability, while UP’s forged billet suspension arms provide sharper handling without sacrificing comfort. Stopping power is equally dialled in, courtesy of a UP Big Brake Kit with carbon-ceramic rotors, tucked neatly behind the lightweight forged wheels and secured with superlight lug nuts. The result? A daily driver with supercar performance, engineered for both the street and the circuit. Rogan’s S-APEX is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets precision, and when performance is pushed beyond the limits of the factory floor. Even if EVs aren’t your thang, you have to admit this thing is rather pleasing on the eyes. “From concept to completion, Joe was deeply involved in every step, ensuring his vision was fully realized. We worked together to craft a custom paint finish with a subtle blue pearl, used interior materials in collaboration with von Holzhausen, upgraded suspension for precise handling without sacrificing comfort, and exposed carbon fibre accents. This build exemplifies how our tailored approach transforms a Tesla into a unique, high-performance vehicle that reflects the owner’s individual style and needs.” comments UP.
Take a look at the YouTube short taken from EchoPodArchives. It's a short piece from the time Rogan chatted to Musk about the Model S Plaid and he mentioned the Unplugged Performance people and the work they do. And now here we are and Rogan owns a fully-fettled Model S Plaid by UP
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News Aftermarket Modified EV Joe Rogan Tesla Tesla Model S Splaid UP Unplugged Performance