Tail Lamp Upgrade 2010-2012
12-01-12, 10:12 PM
#3
Driver
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MO
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The clear "altezza" style is finally on its way out. Starting in the early 2000s, Lexus made clear taillights very popular. Today, its all about bold contrast and lines when the light is off - look at the current generation of Audi's and BMW's for example. Nowadays, with the utilization of LEDs its much easier to create more complex patterns in the light diffraction throughout the taillight when illuminated - and as a result, many luxury automakers are pouring tons of money into making their lights look cool both off and on.
Lexus is jumping on that band wagon too nowadays - adopting more red into the light to create contrast with the rest of the rear end. The LCI RX does this quite well on the top half of the lights, but I think the bottom could still use loads of improvement. Compared to the GS and their other models, I think the LCI RX taillights have the best balance of depth and contrast. Overall, I'd rate the new tail lights only 2nd to those on the Q5 - which are absolutely sick. Porsche and BMW really F'd up on the Cayenne and X3 taillights - hopefully BMW will put their better talent into those designing the new X5.
As for the cost of upgrading - totally not worth it. Even if you are able to sell your current tail lights after swapping in an LCI pair, you wallet is still likely a few $100 lighter. All you've done in the end is change the look of the rear end slightly.
The clear "altezza" style is finally on its way out. Starting in the early 2000s, Lexus made clear taillights very popular. Today, its all about bold contrast and lines when the light is off - look at the current generation of Audi's and BMW's for example. Nowadays, with the utilization of LEDs its much easier to create more complex patterns in the light diffraction throughout the taillight when illuminated - and as a result, many luxury automakers are pouring tons of money into making their lights look cool both off and on.
Lexus is jumping on that band wagon too nowadays - adopting more red into the light to create contrast with the rest of the rear end. The LCI RX does this quite well on the top half of the lights, but I think the bottom could still use loads of improvement. Compared to the GS and their other models, I think the LCI RX taillights have the best balance of depth and contrast. Overall, I'd rate the new tail lights only 2nd to those on the Q5 - which are absolutely sick. Porsche and BMW really F'd up on the Cayenne and X3 taillights - hopefully BMW will put their better talent into those designing the new X5.
As for the cost of upgrading - totally not worth it. Even if you are able to sell your current tail lights after swapping in an LCI pair, you wallet is still likely a few $100 lighter. All you've done in the end is change the look of the rear end slightly.
Last edited by dwlink; 12-01-12 at 10:18 PM.
12-02-12, 07:34 AM
#4
Agree with dwlink. Even with the forum discount I personally don't think the cost is worth it. Maybe if quality aftermarket lights came out at a reasonable price (for my '04 BMW 325i I got european style rear taillights for $250 and the still look like new after 6 years) I would think about getting them.
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12-02-12, 10:35 PM
#9
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12-06-12, 06:50 AM
#12
Lexus Test Driver
OK, I stand corrected. Sewell has packaged the tail lamp upgrade to include all 4 lights for the amazing Club Lexus price of $795. The fact that they offer this indicates the wiring harness is compatible with the earlier 3Gen models.
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12-09-12, 10:15 PM
#15
Pole Position
Oh, thats actually not a bad price, i was thinking it was much higher. I wonder if they have the front headlights for sale with the LEDs.