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Tesla Model S Roof Rack System (Whispbar) Review

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The Tesla Model S Whispbar Roof Rack System is hands down the most technological and elegant roof rack system on the planet, period.

The designers and scientists behind Whispbar, a brand now under the Yakima umbrella, have long been known for designing the world’s quietest roof rack system through relentless pursuit of engineering perfection. We had a chance to review the new Whispbar Tesla Model S Roof Rack System over the last 500+ miles and came up with some findings that may surprise you.

Tesla Model S Roof Rack System by Whispbar

Initial Impression

The Whispbar Tesla Model S Roof Rack System is comprised of two individually packaged components – a universal Whispbar Flush Bar and a Tesla Model S specific mounting kit that secures the Flush Bar to four fixed-point mounts on the roof of the vehicle. Packaging is near Apple caliber and all around superb, with full color printed boxes psychologically gesturing that an amazing road adventure awaits. It worked. Before we knew it, the Whispbar components were unboxed, installed and off on an epic journey.

Features

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  • Aerodynamic design reduces wind drag and noise up to 70%
  • Low drag results in negligible impact on EV battery range
  • Low profile and tapered-wing shape makes for an ultra-quiet ride
  • Super-lightweight and corrosion resistant aluminum construction
  • Quick disconnect and built-in channel technology lets you mount a variety of carriers and accessories onto the Flush Bar
  • Innovative SmartFoot towers ensure quick and easy installation on your roof
  • Patented Yakima Same Key System (SKS) technology uses lock cores that lock and unlock with the same key, eliminating the hassle of multiple keys.
  • Ultra-sleek design blends into the curves of the Tesla Model S and hardly noticeable

 


Whispbar Technology

 

Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Flush BarDesign and Aerodynamics: The unique wing shape of the Whispbar Flush Bar is what really makes this roof rack system stand apart form its competitors. We’ve never seen anything like this before, both from a design perspective and aesthetic point of view.

The beautifully sculpted shape, said to reduce noise and wind drag by 70% over other crossbars, is an art piece in itself, and frankly made us instinctively handle the component as if it were a piece of fine jewelry. We found ourselves constantly wiping our fingerprints off of the polished aluminum finish in order to keep it as pristine and elegant as it naturally is. But don’t let the gorgeous looks fool you. The Whispbar Tesla Model S Rook Rack System is as rugged and durable as they come – capable of carrying cargo and withstand up to 165 lbs (75 kg) of load.

 


Installation

Having installed several roof rack systems before, we were armed with our usual Phillips screwdriver, Torx drivers and our folding hex key set, all which turned out to be valueless. Whispbar comes prepackaged with everything you’ll need for the installation which consists of a single T-handle hex key and some basic instructions.

Installation was fairly simple after we figured out how to mount the first of four mounting points, however documentation could have been a bit clearer especially when describing the procedure of replacing the Flush Bar slide-out plastic mounting blocks with those from the Tesla Model S SmartFoot kit (#K704W). We spent a good 15 minutes trying to figure out this portion of the installation process, presumably because we received one of the earlier versions of the documentation right as it was about to hit market, or we have a much lower brain cell count than the average human (most likely). We’ll let you figure that one out.

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Tesla-Model-S-Whispbar-Roof-Rack-Latch Tesla-Model-S-Whispbar-Roof-Rack-Latch-Mount Tesla-Model-S-Whispbar-Roof-Rack-Rubber-Foot Tesla-Model-S-Whispbar-Roof-Rack-Adjustable

 

Installation Summary

  1. Flip up factory mounting-point covers
  2. Attach stainless hardware to mounting-points
  3. Fit weather-proof Tesla Model S specific mounting pad and block over stainless clamps
  4. Hand-tighten plastic knob and secure Flush Bar to the vehicle

Installation video provided by Tesla Motors.

 


 

Ultra-Quiet, Low Drag, Battery Efficient

Sound: The low profile mount and wing shape design of the Whispbar Tesla Model S Roof Rack System creates an amazingly quiet driving experience. At speeds below 40 mph (64 km/h) we barely noticed any noise at all, contrary to what we’ve experienced with other roof rack systems on the market. The Whispbar system exhibits some audible wind noise as expected during highway speeds, but the sound is much more soothing, and almost melodic in a way. It’s much softer, quieter and not the usual turbulent wind noise that’s often associated with round or square style crossbars.

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The unique shape and design of the Whispbar is the result of extensive wind tunnel testing as seen in the video below.

 

Wind Drag Effect on Battery Range: This one surprised us the most. After 500 miles of testing with the Flush Bar mounted we noticed a negligible increase in energy consumption when compared against the vehicle’s lifetime average energy usage.

  • Energy usage lifetime avg (10,180 miles):

    318 Wh/mi

  • ROAD TEST 1 with Tesla Model S Roof Rack System (~ 500 miles): 

    322 Wh/mi

  • ROAD TEST 2 with Tesla Model S Rook Rack System + Ski/Snow attachment + 2 snowboards:

    328 Wh/mi

    (leave us a comment below if you’re interested in having us perform any special tests)

We concluded that the 1.26% increase in energy over the vehicle’s lifetime average is negligible and therefore it’s inconclusive that the change is a result of wind drag from the Tesla Model S roof rack system. Although we drove the same path over the course of the 500 mile sample, there’s not a large enough disparity for us to make a correlation. This is a remarkable testament to Whispbar’s pursuit of engineering excellence. We think they succeeded.

Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar System Seamless Elegance

 


No Tools Required, Quick and Easy Attachments

One of the great features of the Whispbar QuickDock System is that it can quickly attach and detach accessories without the use of tools. Removing attachments (ski, snowboard, cargo, bike ..etc when not in use maximizes the aerodynamics and maintains the clean look of the Whispbar Flush Bar.

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Below are pictures of the optional Whispbar SnowMount (#WB300) attachment mounted to our Whispbar Tesla Model S roof rack system. We loved the large integrated push lever, which was extremely easy to open, even while wearing heavy gloves.

 

Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Snow Mount WB300

Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Snow Mount WB300 Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Snow Mount WB300 Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Snow Mount WB300 Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Snow Mount WB300


Conclusion

The aerodynamic Whispbar roof rack system brings innovative design and technology to deliver the quietest crossbar on the market.

To our knowledge, Whispbar is currently the only manufacturer that offers the Tesla Model S roof rack system. We know that there will eventually be plenty of roof rack systems out on the market for the Tesla community, but when compromise is not an option and you’re seeking unparalleled perfection, then the Whispbar Roof Rack System is the obvious choice.

 

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Tesla Model S Whispbar Roof Rack System

Note: Use the vehicle selection dropdowns from the Flush Bar page.

Whispbar Snow Mount Attachment

 

NOTE: The Whispbar Tesla Model S Roof Rack System is only available for models that have the panoramic roof option.

Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Snow Mount

 

Lifestyle

Tesla brings perhaps the coolest interior feature to cars in latest update

Tesla adds on to the “fun” aspect of its vehicles.

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla has brought perhaps the coolest interior feature to its cars in a new update that is rolling out to vehicles now.

The feature will require a newer vehicle that has interior ambient lighting, which is present on the new Model S, Model X, Model 3 “Highland,” and Model Y “Juniper.” The Cybertruck also has ambient lighting strips throughout.

Tesla Model Y’s ambient lighting design changes revealed in leaked video

With the Version 2025.26+ Software Update, Tesla is rolling out a new “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music” feature, which is available on the Tesla Toybox:

To enable the feature, you’ll access the Toybox, choose “Light Sync,” and then choose “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music.”

Although it does not improve the performance of the vehicle, it is yet another example of Tesla making one of the coolest cars out there. This is truly a cool add-on that can be used to impress your friends and family.

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xAI, Musk Foundation helps schools near Memphis supercomputer site

Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.

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(Credit: xAI)

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI and the Musk Foundation have been supporting Memphis-Shelby County Schools with HVAC repairs and facility upgrades, while also funding youth programs for students in the area. 

Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.

xAI’s school visits lead to facility repairs

Representatives from xAI visited John P. Freeman Optional School, Fairley High School, and Westwood High School, all of which are located near its Colossus supercomputer site, to assess HVAC systems, plumbing, gym facilities, and athletic fields. The visits resulted in a list of priority repairs, some of which were completed in April and May.

In addition to the repairs, xAI also shared a number of initiatives that are planned for students in the area, as stated in a Commercial Appeal report.

“xAI is working on providing STEM workshops for local students, donating equipment to technical training programs, and supporting job fairs to boost employment opportunities. These initiatives reflect xAl’s commitment to fostering education and economic growth in Memphis,” xAI noted in a statement.

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Musk Foundation donation

Apart from xAI, the Musk Foundation also donated $350,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, enabling the reopening of two club sites located at Booker T. Washington High School and Westwood High School. Both locations had closed earlier this year due to lapses in funding. As per xAI, the Musk Foundation’s donation allows clubs to reopen for almost 1,000 students. 

The donation will fund staffing, supplies, and transportation, among others. “Kids are the future of humanity,” Elon Musk said in a statement, adding that students need “every chance to shoot for the stars.”

“We’re honored to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis in reopening these sites, giving kids in underserved communities the tools to build brighter futures,” Musk said.

The gift was praised by local officials, including Boys & Girls Clubs board chair Michael Garriga, who stated that the “commitment will ensure the youth of our community have the opportunities they need to develop their skills and talents to become successful students and future citizens.”

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EV fans urge Tesla to acquire Unplugged Performance for edge in fleet and security industry

Unplugged Performance has built a name for itself by producing performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles.

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Credit: Unplugged Performance

A growing number of Tesla enthusiasts and longtime community voices are calling on the electric vehicle maker to acquire Unplugged Performance, a California-based aftermarket company best known for tuning Tesla vehicles and developing specialized government fleet solutions under its UP.FIT division.

The idea was once considered a niche proposal among EV fans, but it is now gaining serious attention not just as a performance play but as a strategic move to deepen Tesla’s roots in the fleet and security industry. 

A strategic fit

Unplugged Performance has built a name for itself by producing performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles, from track-optimized components to visual and aerodynamic upgrades. But in recent years, its UP.FIT division has pivoted toward a more functional future by outfitting Tesla vehicles like Model Ys for police, military, and government use.

That work has sparked growing calls for closer collaboration with Tesla, especially as the EV maker increasingly leans into autonomy, AI, and fleet services as core components of its next chapter.

“I posted this four years ago, but I think it’s more true now than ever,” wrote Whole Mars Catalog, a well-known Tesla investor and FSD Beta tester, on X. “Tesla should buy Unplugged. But not just as a Performance division. What they are doing with UP.FIT unlocks large government and commercial fleet purchases that can improve utilization.”

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Tesla fans such as shareholder Sawyer Merritt echoed the sentiment, calling Unplugged a “great fit within Tesla.” adding, “They are literally located directly next to Tesla’s design studio in Hawthorne.”

Enabling the next wave

Supporters of the idea noted that integrating Unplugged into Tesla’s corporate structure could help accelerate the adoption of autonomous technologies in government sectors. With UP.FIT patrol cars already in use across some U.S. police departments, Tesla fans envisioned a future where self-driving Teslas could potentially revolutionize law enforcement, search-and-rescue, and public service logistics.

“Just imagine how autonomous patrol cars could transform policing and bring us into a safer future,” the veteran FSD tester wrote.

The benefits could also extend to Tesla’s existing consumer base. “They also have some incredible products in the works that I think will appeal to many ordinary Tesla drivers — not just those looking for performance or mods. Stuff that’s so good it should have come straight from the design studio next door,” Whole Mars Catalog noted.

Unplugged Performance, founded in 2013, shares not just a product vision with Tesla, but also geography. Its Hawthorne headquarters sits directly adjacent to Tesla’s design studio, and the two companies have maintained a close working relationship over the years. The aftermarket firm has long positioned itself as a “mission-aligned” partner to Tesla.

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In response to the recent calls for acquisition, Unplugged Performance acknowledged the support from the community. “Our very existence is to support the Tesla mission with @UpfitTesla and @UnpluggedTesla,” Unplugged CEO Ben Schaffer posted on X. “We love working with Tesla and are grateful for the community’s support since 2013!”

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