Unplugged Performance Unveils ‘Dark Knight’ Custom Tesla
Unplugged Performance, a customizer specializing in high-performance Tesla upgrades, has revealed ‘Dark Knight’, the latest Model S-APEX Plaid from its Complete Vehicle program, a program that offers bespoke Tesla vehicles tailored to individual preferences and style.
The S-APEX builds start life as a Tesla Model S Plaid, which then undergoes aerodynamic, braking, suspension and luxury modifications to complement the Plaid’s 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb.-ft. powertrain.
“With Dark Knight, we’ve set out to create the ultimate daily driven supercar. It showcases our commitment to pushing the boundaries of Tesla’s capabilities and resonates with enthusiasts who value both raw speed and environmental consciousness,” said Ben Schaffer, CEO of Unplugged Performance. “With its supercar-level presence and power, combined with the versatility of a family sedan, it’s the best all-in-one car I’ve ever experienced.”
As with all S-APEX cars, the highlight of Dark Knight’s exterior lies in the extensive carbon fiber features that allow for wider tires, the company said. Unplugged Performance integrated a 19-piece prepreg carbon fiber widebody kit that increases the width of the vehicle by 60mm and house 21-inch lightweight UP-03 forged monoblock wheels. The carbon fiber rocker panels include an integrated aerodynamic bargeboard aft the front wheels to improve aerodynamic airflow.
Unplugged Performance partnered with Koenigsegg Advanced Manufacturing to manage rear end downforce with a carbon fiber rear longtail spoiler made on the same production line as the carbon fiber parts on Koenigsegg’s hypercars, the company said. Balancing downforce and reducing lift at the front end of Dark Knight is an Unplugged Performance Autobahn front carbon fiber diffuser, a first for an S-APEX build. Wrapping up the build is a sleek satin black finish exterior with exposed bits of its carbon fiber body.
Increased grip and cornering speeds comes from the inclusion of a variety of Unplugged Performance suspension parts including their Sports Dynamic Lowering kit, adjustable rear sway bar, and billet aluminum adjustable control arms that allow for alignment adjustments to front and rear toe, camber and caster, Unplugged Performance engineers said. Stopping power comes from Unplugged Performance carbon ceramic brakes at all four corners, and another first for an S-APEX, a carbon fiber brake cooling duct system that includes block-off plates.
Inside Dark Knight, the custom interior was designed through a collaboration with von Holzhausen, which uses Banbū vegan leather in Serrano red across the seats, door panels, console and dashboard.
