7 Shocking Secrets Of Joe Rogan's $200K+ Custom Tesla S-APEX Plaid
As of December 25, 2025, the automotive world is still buzzing about the latest and most aggressive addition to Joe Rogan's eclectic car collection: a fully bespoke, hyper-performance electric vehicle. The vehicle in question is not a traditional muscle car or a classic 4x4, but a radically transformed Tesla Model S Plaid, a project that has redefined what is possible in the world of electric vehicle (EV) tuning. This is not the standard 1,020-horsepower sedan you can buy off the lot; this is the one-of-one, race-engineered Unplugged Performance S-APEX Plaid.
The customization, executed by the premier Tesla tuner Unplugged Performance (UP), was commissioned by the podcast giant to create a machine that is a "blend of class and aggression." Rogan, who has a complex history with Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, now owns an EV that not only delivers preposterous speed but also boasts a level of bespoke luxury and track-ready engineering previously unseen in his garage. This deep dive reveals the seven most shocking secrets and extreme modifications that make this custom Tesla a true automotive marvel.
Joe Rogan: The Evolution of a Tesla Skeptic to a Plaid Enthusiast
The story of Joe Rogan and Tesla is a fascinating arc, moving from initial skepticism to full-blown performance appreciation. Rogan has long been a proponent of raw, analog power, with a collection that includes classic muscle cars and highly modified off-road vehicles. His initial views on electric cars often focused on the lack of engine noise and the "soulless" driving experience.
- Full Name: Joseph James Rogan
- Born: August 11, 1967 (Age 58 as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
- Occupation: Podcaster, UFC Commentator, Comedian, Actor, Television Host
- Podcast: The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE)
- JRE Episode on Custom Tesla: JRE Ep. 2362 with Ralph Barbosa
- Car Collection Highlights (Non-Tesla): 1970 Plymouth Barracuda (Hemi 'Cuda), 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80, Icon Ford Bronco, Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
- Previous Tesla Experience: Owned an older Model S P100DL before commissioning the Plaid S-APEX.
- Tuning Company: Unplugged Performance (UP)
- Custom Model: Tesla Model S-APEX Plaid
His relationship with Elon Musk, a frequent guest on the JRE, helped bridge this gap. Rogan's experience with the stock Model S Plaid's "preposterous" acceleration was a turning point. However, for a connoisseur of bespoke vehicles, the factory Tesla lacked the unique, personalized touch. This led him to Unplugged Performance, a company known for maximizing the performance potential of Tesla vehicles and creating true one-of-one builds.
7 Extreme Customizations That Make the S-APEX Plaid a Hyper-EV
The Unplugged Performance S-APEX package is their flagship Model S offering, taking the already insane Plaid and transforming it into a track-ready, widebody beast. Rogan's specific build pushed the boundaries of this package with several highly personalized touches.
1. The 19-Piece Carbon Fiber Widebody Kit
The most visually striking modification is the extensive, 19-piece carbon fiber widebody kit. This is not a simple cosmetic add-on; it serves a crucial aerodynamic purpose. The kit widens the stance of the Model S, allowing for a broader wheel and tire setup, which dramatically improves cornering grip and stability at high speeds. The carbon fiber construction ensures maximum weight savings, a critical element in performance tuning. The finished look perfectly embodies the "aggression" Rogan requested, giving the sleek sedan a muscular, supercar-like presence.
2. The Bespoke "Class and Aggression" Paint Finish
Rogan's vision was a car that could be both luxurious and menacing. The exterior was finished in a unique, custom-blended shade of white with a subtle blue pearl effect. This bespoke paint job achieves the "class" element, offering a deep, sophisticated sheen that contrasts sharply with the exposed carbon fiber elements of the widebody kit, creating a dynamic visual tension.
3. Sustainable, High-Tech Banbū Leather Interior
The interior is where the "class" truly shines, thanks to a partnership with the material scientists at von Holzhausen. The entire cabin was re-trimmed in Banbū leather, a high-tech, sustainable, and animal-free material. This unique choice, finished in a custom Alpine White, provides a luxurious, durable, and eco-conscious cabin that elevates the Model S far beyond its factory specification. It is a nod to modern luxury that aligns with the future-forward nature of the EV.
4. Race-Engineered Carbon Ceramic Brakes
With 1,020 horsepower on tap, stopping power is non-negotiable. Rogan’s S-APEX is equipped with the same carbon ceramic big brake kit that Unplugged Performance developed for their record-setting "Dark Helmet" Model S build. These brakes are designed for extreme, repeated use on a racetrack, offering phenomenal heat resistance and fade-free performance, ensuring the car can stop as quickly as it accelerates.
5. Lightweight UP-03 Forged Wheels
Further enhancing the performance profile are the UP-03 lightweight forged wheels. These wheels are designed to be ultra-durable and significantly lighter than the stock Tesla wheels. Reducing unsprung mass (weight not supported by the suspension) is one of the most effective ways to improve a car's handling, acceleration, and braking. The wheels are a key component of the S-APEX package's focus on maximizing the Plaid's track potential.
6. Fully Adjustable High-Performance Suspension
To handle the increased grip from the wider tires and the demands of performance driving, the car features a completely upgraded, fully adjustable suspension system. This allows for precise tuning of ride height, damping, and rebound, enabling Rogan (or UP) to dial in the perfect setup for street driving or track use. This level of customization ensures the car handles with the precision of a bespoke sports car, not a mass-produced sedan.
7. The Unspoken Six-Figure Price Tag
While Unplugged Performance has not disclosed the total cost of the build, the price for the S-APEX package alone is known to be substantial, and Rogan's one-off customizations would push the final figure well over $200,000 when factoring in the base price of the Tesla Model S Plaid (which starts around $90,000). The use of exotic materials like Banbū leather, the extensive carbon fiber work, and the race-spec braking system place this car firmly in the realm of hyper-EV territory, a true investment in bespoke automotive engineering.
Topical Authority: Joe Rogan and the Future of EV Tuning
Joe Rogan's decision to heavily customize a Tesla Model S Plaid is a significant moment for the entire electric vehicle tuning industry. It signals that high-profile automotive enthusiasts, traditionally focused on internal combustion engines (ICE), are now embracing the performance potential of EVs. The Unplugged Performance S-APEX Plaid is a testament to the fact that electric cars can be just as customizable, aggressive, and emotionally engaging as any classic hot rod or supercar.
In a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience (JRE Ep. 2362), Rogan spoke about the car, highlighting the seamless integration of extreme performance with daily drivability. This endorsement from a figure with massive influence in both the car and podcasting communities is invaluable. It not only elevates the profile of Unplugged Performance but also validates the entire concept of performance EV customization.
The S-APEX Plaid is more than just a fast car; it is a statement. It is the perfect convergence of Joe Rogan's love for extreme performance, modern technology, and bespoke craftsmanship. It proves that the future of high-performance driving will be electric, and for those who demand a personalized touch, the aftermarket is ready to deliver a level of customization that rivals the world’s most exclusive hypercars.
Detail Author:
- Name : Delta Howe
- Username : treinger
- Email : treva.kirlin@becker.com
- Birthdate : 1996-03-05
- Address : 666 Reichel Viaduct Harmonfort, CT 20491
- Phone : 1-425-519-7007
- Company : Mertz, Renner and Halvorson
- Job : Financial Examiner
- Bio : Dolores iste sed repudiandae dolorem. Tempora non odio accusantium laudantium maiores sint enim itaque. Et et eius quo. Ducimus et quod est qui deleniti id.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/eboehm
- username : eboehm
- bio : Consequatur nulla tempore et delectus. Dolorum vitae nisi commodi qui numquam.
- followers : 4067
- following : 2424
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@eldridge_boehm
- username : eldridge_boehm
- bio : Quod adipisci natus veritatis dolorem voluptates. Id odio quod voluptates iure.
- followers : 3065
- following : 1977
