Aftermarket Altezza lights fitted to a Peugeot 306.

The origin of true Altezza lights, the Toyota Altezza.

Altezza lights (also known as "Euro Taillights" and "Lexus Lights") are vehicle tail lamp clusters consisting of one or more internal lamp units, covered with a clear (or tinted) acrylic cover made popular by Lexus. Some Altezza lights also include LED lighting.

[edit] Origin

The style was first used on the rear light clusters on the first generation Lexus IS, which was sold in Japan as the Toyota Altezza. This iconic style of lamp units became known in many circles as 'Lexus-style' or 'Altezza-style' tail lights.

Prior to the release of the Altezza, the Toyota Supra Mark IV (probably inspired by Ferrari car designs at that time ) used an encased tail lamp assembly which essentially started the trend. The Mark I Altezza gained popularity due to the fact that the inside housing was finished in chrome whereas the Supra lamps came in a darker gun-metal grey color.

[edit] Market

Some of the first Altezza lights were manufactured by the A.P.C company for the 94-95 Honda Accord. The tail lamps of the Accord matched the Toyota Altezza in shape and size. Currently Altezza lights design is popular and not limited to after-market replacements taillights even influencing the taillight design of many new car models.

The Altezza lights replacement taillights are available for popular car models and manufactured mostly in China and Taiwan. Due to competition among after-market companies to produce low cost products, it is not uncommon to have quality issues with a number of these replacement lights such as poor fitting, low quality plastic, water leakage, or inferior chrome coating.