Evolution of Mitsubishi Evo 7 Taillight Designs Over Generations

The Evolution of Evo 7 Taillights Over Time

The Mitsubishi Evolution series, better known as the Mitsubishi Evo, has always been known for its cutting edge performance and stylish looks. One area of distinct style in the Evo's design has been the taillights. As the Evo models have progessed over seven generations from the mid 90s until 2015, the taillight design has continually evolved to match the performance upgrades of each new model.

Original Taillights in Early Evo 1-3 Models

In the early Evo 1, 2, and 3 models spanning 1992 to 1996, the taillights followed a simple but functional design. The basic light clusters were wide and straight in shape, fitting the back of the vehicle cleanly. The indicators used amber light, while the brake lights glowed bright red from standard bulbs when activated. These original Evo taillights focused more on performance than appearance, much like rest of the vehicle's rally car inspired design.

Introduction of the Altezza Taillight Style

When the Evo 4 arrived in 1996, it brought with it a new taillight form that would influence the designs for many generations to come. Known as Altezza lights, named after the 1998 Toyota Altezza which also sported this style, these taillights featured a slimmer light cluster capped by a unique square red section at the top. This Altezza-style allowed for a sleeker look while adding visual flair to the rear of the vehicle. The Evo 5 and 6 built upon the Altezza style too, as it synced well with the upgraded body styling of those generations.

Evo 7 Taillights Take Designs to Next Level

When the Evo 7 made its debut in 2001, the taillight design received an even more aggressive evolution to match. The light clusters remained Altezza-shaped but with an important tweak of inverted angles on the outer edges. This gave the Evo 7 taillights an almost wing-like appearance, like an airplane spoiler turned sideways. Complementing that was a larger chrome garnish framing the entire width of the vehicle, ensuring no one would miss the fierce looking taillights. For many Evo enthusiasts, this built upon the best elements of the previous styles to become the peak of aggressive taillight designs.

Later Models Gradually Simplify Designs

As the Evo series continued, the taillight designs gradually became simpler over time. The Evo 8 in 2003 maintained a similar style to the Evo 7 but with slightly narrowed light clusters and smaller chrome framing. By 2008 and the launch of the Evo 9, the taillights took on a much cleaner and sparse look. The clusters lost their wing-shaped outline and the entire unit no longer spanned the full width of the vehicle. This reduced some of the aggressiveness from previous generations but still kept an aura of performance.

The final generation Evo X culminated in 2008 with an entirely new taillight concept. The light clusters were now inset deeply and no longer spanned edge to edge. The unique Altezza style from the earlier generations disappeared entirely. While this made for a much more refined look fitting newer vehicle trends, some felt it lost the adventurous spirit defined by the earlier Evos. But there is no denying the Evo X maintained the high performance lineage regardless of styling changes.

Finding the Right Evo 7 Taillights

For many enthusiasts looking to modify or restore an older Mitsubishi Evo 7, finding quality replacement taillights can pose challenges. With the Evo 7 last being produced in 2001, finding intact original lights proves difficult. Thankfully the iconic Evo 7 taillight design remains in high demand, leading companies to produce aftermarket replica units to fill the need.

Evaluating Different Aftermarket Choices

When evaluating aftermarket Evo 7 taillights, several factors should come under consideration:

• Build quality - Housings should have sturdy construction without defects in the plastic molding or lens material
• Fitment - Lights should bolt into factory mounting positions without large gaps
• Light output - Lamps, wiring, and circuit boards should work reliably like OEM parts
• Appearance - Housings shape and lens pigmentation should accurately match the original style

Shoppers should research brands through online forums and reviews to identify reputable manufacturers producing high quality replicas. This helps narrow choices to products that meet the above criteria critical to performance and aesthetics.

Installing New Taillights

When ready to install new aftermarket Evo 7 taillights, carefully follow included instructions. Proper installation ensures lights mount securely and connect wiring in the correct arrangement. Most replicas use similar construction as originals, allowing them to bolt into the rear body panel the same way. Wiring typically plugs directly into existing harness connectors around the light housing area.

For extra precaution, apply weatherproof silicone sealant around the edges of the mounting plate. This prevents moisture ingress into the trunk over time. Lastly double check all lighting functions activate correctly before driving, including brake lights, turn signals, and running lamps.

The Future of Evo Taillights

While Mitsubishi ended Evo production in 2015, the aftermarket continues keeping past generations alive. This includes producing quality replacement parts like the iconic Evo 7 Altezza-style taillights. As long as the enthusiast community stays passionate about these high performance vehicles, the unique taillight designs synonymous with the Evo experience will continue lighting up the roads.

What new possibilities may exist for Evo taillights in the future? Bold designers may reimagine entirely new lighting concepts should Mitsubishi ever revival the Evo series. And with modern lighting technology advancing rapidly in recent years with LED and laser implementations, tail light creativity knows no bounds. But even with changes over time, the unmistakable wings of the Evo 7 taillights will forever hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts.

FAQs

What made the Evo 7 taillights unique?

The Evo 7 taillights stood out with their aggressive wing-shaped design along the outer edges of the light clusters. This along with large chrome garnishes spanning the entire rear gave them an adventurous look fitting the performance. Many view these as the peak of Evo taillight styling.

Where can I buy aftermarket Evo 7 taillights?

Quality replica Evo 7 taillights designed to original specifications can be purchased from various online retailers catering to Japanese imports. Research brands through forums and reviews to identify reputable manufacturers.

What do I need to install aftermarket taillights?

Follow included instructions for mounting and wiring connections. Apply weatherproof sealant around the mounting plate edges to prevent water ingress over time. Check all lighting functions activate properly before driving the vehicle.

Could Evo taillights return in the future?

If Mitsubishi revives the Lancer Evolution series in the future, possibilities exist for entirely new taillight designs matching modern styling and lighting tech. But the iconic Evo 7 style remains immortalized even if discontinued.