Unplugged Performance has officially returned to the mountain with the unveiling of Goldmember, the world first autonomous race car designed for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Based on the Tesla Cybercab platform, this vehicle represents a radical shift in motorsport by removing the human driver from the cockpit entirely. The project leverages years of racing data to prove that electric autonomous technology can handle the most grueling uphill circuit on the planet. By combining a robotaxi foundation with elite competition hardware, the Unplugged Performance Goldmember serves as a high speed laboratory for the future of self driving performance.
A Ground Effect Machine Born from Dark Helmet
The exterior of the Unplugged Performance Goldmember is a masterclass in extreme aerodynamics, transplanting the proven high downforce package from the famous Dark Helmet race car onto a compact chassis. It features a full carbon fiber splitter assembly with integrated canards and a massive dual element rear wing finished in a vibrant pink livery. These components work in unison with a sculpted rear diffuser and side skirts to generate over 4,000 lbs of downforce at 150 mph. The gold finished robotaxi body is further distinguished by its butterfly doors and a purpose built stance that effectively doubles the force pushing the tires into the tarmac at high speeds.
A Cockpit Reimagined for Level 4 Autonomy
Because the Cybercab platform was designed from the ground up without traditional driver controls, the interior of the Goldmember is dedicated strictly to technical hardware and safety. The cabin is stripped of luxury to accommodate an FIA certified chromoly roll cage that is integrated directly into the chassis at twelve distinct points. Within this reinforced space sits the advanced autonomous driving stack, which utilizes the factory camera and sensor suite to process the 156 turns of the Pikes Peak course. An onboard automatic fire suppression system protects the battery and motor housings, ensuring the vehicle can manage thermal emergencies without human intervention.
Tri Motor Power and Precise Chassis Control
The mechanical heart of the Unplugged Performance Goldmember is a tri motor powertrain that produces a staggering 1,020 hp/1,034 PS and 1,050 lb-ft/1,424 Nm of torque. This immense output allows the 4,200 lbs/1,905 kg machine to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 1.5 seconds. To manage this power, the car utilizes UP x Ohlins TTX 4-way coilovers and a full suite of billet suspension arms to eliminate geometry deflection. Carbon ceramic rotors measuring 394mm at the front provide fade free stopping power, while forged UP-03 wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan A005 tires ensure the mechanical grip matches the massive aerodynamic loads.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Tri-Motor Electric |
| 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) | Under 1.5 Seconds (Factory Benchmark) |
| Curb Weight | 4,200 lbs (1,905 kg) |
| Downforce | 4,000+ lbs @ 150 mph |
| Wheels | UP-03 Forged 19×11 |
| Brakes | Carbon Ceramic 6-Piston |
Pioneering the Field of Autonomous Racing
The Unplugged Performance Goldmember stands alone in the current market as a pioneer for competitive autonomous hillclimb racing. While direct competitors in the electric SUV or sedan space focus on driver engagement, Unplugged is benchmarking the Cybercab against the limits of artificial intelligence and physics. This vehicle serves as a proof of concept for Tesla Full Self Driving technology, suggesting that if a car can navigate the 12.42 mile Pikes Peak course at race speeds, it is more than ready for public roads. It represents a unique intersection of software engineering and traditional motorsport fabrication that no other tuner has yet matched.
A Technical Milestone on the Mountain
Ultimately, Goldmember is a glimpse into a future where the driver becomes the data scientist and the racetrack becomes a validation floor for AI. By combining world class suspension, braking, and aero with a 1,020 hp electric drive, Unplugged Performance has created a vehicle that challenges our definition of racing. Although revealed as an ambitious vision for April 1st, the hardware and engineering foundation behind this autonomous contender are very real. The journey to the summit without a driver marks a bold new chapter in the legacy of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
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Source: Unplugged Performance
