AVATA Wheels for Tesla Performance: Big Brakes? Stepped Hubs? Sorted.
Lulu Chai
Understanding Tesla Wheel Fitment: Why “Looks Right” Isn’t Always Right
The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have become iconic in Australia’s EV landscape. Sleek, responsive, and engineered for the future, these vehicles attract a growing community of enthusiasts keen to personalise their ride—starting with the wheels.
But here’s the catch: not all aftermarket wheels are created equal. And not all Model 3/Y variants share the same structure requirements.
For owners of Performance trims, the challenges around wheel fitment go far beyond diameter and offset. The difference lies in the details—and that’s exactly where CyberMetals AVATA Wheels comes in.
The Challenge: Performance Models Aren’t Standard
Both the Model 3 Performance and Model Y Performance come with factory upgrades that alter wheel compatibility:
• Oversized Brembo brake callipers, with tighter barrel clearance
• Stepped, multi-diameter hub centres, unlike the flat-centre design used in non-Performance models
Unfortunately, no current hub-centric rings support this stepped configuration. That means most generic wheels may not physically bolt on, cannot provide true hub-centric contact—leading to:
• Micro-vibrations at highway speeds
• Uneven rotor wear over time
• Reduced bearing lifespan
• Potential long-term safety risks
The Solution: AVATA Wheels, Engineered for Tesla Performance
At CyberMetals, we didn’t settle for “universal” fitment. We worked directly with the Tesla community, engineers, and real-world drivers to design AVATA with two core engineering goals:
1. Big Brake Clearance — Without Spacers
Performance-oriented Tesla models like the Model 3 Performance and Model Y Performance come equipped with factory-upgraded Brembo-style brake calipers. These calipers are significantly larger and extend closer to the inner barrel of the wheel, often causing clearance issues with generic aftermarket wheels.
AVATA wheels are purpose-built to resolve this issue, without compromise:
• CNC-Stepped Inner Barrels:
The inner profile of each AVATA wheel is engineered with a stepped barrel design, individually CNC-milled to clear the extended caliper body. This precision approach eliminates the need for trial-and-error fitment or external spacers.
• Thermal Expansion Clearance Zones:
High-performance braking systems generate substantial heat under aggressive driving or track use. AVATA wheels incorporate engineered thermal clearance pockets that accommodate expansion, preventing unwanted friction or heat transfer to the wheel barrel—essential for maintaining brake efficiency and avoiding fade.
• Structural Reinforcements:
Unlike mass-market cast wheels that often compromise barrel rigidity, AVATA strengthens key stress zones using FEA (Finite Element Analysis) guided reinforcement. This ensures structural integrity under cornering load, hard braking, or pothole impact—especially important when clearance is tight.
• Out-of-the-Box Fitment for 18” & 19” Setups:
Whether you’re running the 19” wheels or have downsized to a lightweight 18” track setup, AVATA wheels provide seamless compatibility, including full caliper clearance and correct offset geometry—without spacers or hub modifications.
You get bolt-on fitment, with the peace of mind that your calipers are protected—and your vehicle’s handling geometry is preserved.
2. Hub-Centric Machining for Tesla’s Stepped Hubs
Tesla’s Performance models feature a stepped hub design, where the hub centre includes a concentric raised ring. This hub-centric structure ensures the wheel mounts precisely onto the hub, reducing vibration and maintaining load alignment. However, many aftermarket wheels do not account for this detail, forcing users to rely on plastic or metal centering rings, which can loosen over time or cause imbalance.
AVATA eliminates this problem with precision CNC hub boring:
• Direct-Fit Machining:
Each AVATA wheel is CNC-machined to match the Tesla Performance stepped hub geometry down to 0.01 mm. This precision fit removes the need for third-party centering rings, reducing failure points and ensuring consistent concentricity.
• Zero Vibration, OEM-Like Mounting Feel:
Because the wheel sits perfectly on the hub, you get a factory-like installation experience—free from the vibrations, squeaks, or alignment issues that often plague universal-fit wheels. This is especially critical at high speeds or under regenerative braking loads.
• Long-Term Safety and Balance:
A truly hub-centric fit also improves long-term durability of both the wheels and suspension components by evenly distributing forces across the hub and studs. This helps maintain wheel balance, tyre wear, and bearing lifespan—an often-overlooked benefit in daily and spirited driving.
AVATA wheels don’t just fit your Tesla—they respect its engineering.
Why Engineering Matters
Plenty of wheels can technically “fit.” But here’s what can still go wrong:
• Rubbing under compression or steering lock
• Poor brake cooling due to blocked airflow
• Cosmetic spacers that alter suspension geometry
• Undetected vibrations from imperfect hub mating
AVATA eliminates these risks—because it’s built for Teslas from the ground up.
Explore AVATA: Built for Tesla Performance
Whether you’re carving through Adelaide Hills or cruising the Gold Coast highway, AVATA Wheels deliver confidence, compliance, and style—without modification.
Engineered in Australia. Tested on Aussie roads. Ready when you are.
