Honda: Legend News
#1
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Honda: Legend News
Honda launches Legend sedan - - Reuters / October 07, 2004 - - Source: Autonews
TOKYO -- Honda Motor Co. launched the fourth-generation Legend sedan on Thursday, saying it aimed to sell 6,000 units of the high-end model year in Japan.
Japan's third-biggest carmaker said it would also target annual sales of about 20,000 units in North America, where the car is sold as the Acura RL under its luxury brand.
The new Legend, the first remodelling in eight years, is priced at $47,160, a few thousand dollars more than the previous model.
But Honda said the car carried many high-tech features including the Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD) which it said was the world's first to distribute torque between the left and right wheels to boost traction on slippery surfaces.
At the new sticker price, the Legend/Acura RL will be competing with foreign luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW in a tough Japanese sedan market that is under attack from the popular minivan and compact segments.
"It's a very competitive market," CEO Takeo Fukui told a news conference.
"We know the competition will be tough against the Europeans but we think we can win customers over with the SH-AWD system," he said.
The Legend is also the most powerful car in Honda's line-up, with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine yielding 300 hp.
The car, to be built at Honda's Saitama factory in Japan, goes on sales in Japan on Thursday and in the United States next week with a price tag of $48,900.
Honda said it also aimed to sell around 2,000 units in Europe, although it did not say when sales would begin.
Honda's sales of non-minivehicles in Japan jumped 9.5 percent in September and are up 1.7 percent in the year to date at 361,998 units.
TOKYO -- Honda Motor Co. launched the fourth-generation Legend sedan on Thursday, saying it aimed to sell 6,000 units of the high-end model year in Japan.
Japan's third-biggest carmaker said it would also target annual sales of about 20,000 units in North America, where the car is sold as the Acura RL under its luxury brand.
The new Legend, the first remodelling in eight years, is priced at $47,160, a few thousand dollars more than the previous model.
But Honda said the car carried many high-tech features including the Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD) which it said was the world's first to distribute torque between the left and right wheels to boost traction on slippery surfaces.
At the new sticker price, the Legend/Acura RL will be competing with foreign luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW in a tough Japanese sedan market that is under attack from the popular minivan and compact segments.
"It's a very competitive market," CEO Takeo Fukui told a news conference.
"We know the competition will be tough against the Europeans but we think we can win customers over with the SH-AWD system," he said.
The Legend is also the most powerful car in Honda's line-up, with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine yielding 300 hp.
The car, to be built at Honda's Saitama factory in Japan, goes on sales in Japan on Thursday and in the United States next week with a price tag of $48,900.
Honda said it also aimed to sell around 2,000 units in Europe, although it did not say when sales would begin.
Honda's sales of non-minivehicles in Japan jumped 9.5 percent in September and are up 1.7 percent in the year to date at 361,998 units.
#2
Senior Moderator
Acura Legend released in Japan/Mugen RL
And it has more features than the American RL!
Source of PR is the Temple of VTEC.
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=287177
On top of that, check out the Mugen RL! DROOL. It almost makes me want to trade up to the RL. And where are the Mugen parts for the 3G TL? Hah?
Wallpaper
http://www.mugen-power.com/street/LEGEND0410/m1_h.html
Mugen site
http://www.mugen-power.com/street/LEGEND0410/index.html
Source of PR is the Temple of VTEC.
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=287177
On top of that, check out the Mugen RL! DROOL. It almost makes me want to trade up to the RL. And where are the Mugen parts for the 3G TL? Hah?
Wallpaper
http://www.mugen-power.com/street/LEGEND0410/m1_h.html
Mugen site
http://www.mugen-power.com/street/LEGEND0410/index.html
#3
I'm Cool
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whoa, i like this pic
http://www.mugen-power.com/street/LE.../wp04_1024.jpg
http://www.mugen-power.com/street/LE.../wp04_1024.jpg
Trending Topics
#8
Well people will think its a Lexus at night with those yellow fogs. That should sell a couple for those that want to fool people.....
Its nice. Nothing jaw dropping...
Its nice. Nothing jaw dropping...
#9
Liquid Ice
Originally Posted by neuronbob
And it has more features than the American RL!
Source of PR is the Temple of VTEC.
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=287177
On top of that, check out the Mugen RL! DROOL. It almost makes me want to trade up to the RL. And where are the Mugen parts for the 3G TL? Hah?
Wallpaper
http://www.mugen-power.com/street/LEGEND0410/m1_h.html
Mugen site
http://www.mugen-power.com/street/LEGEND0410/index.html
Source of PR is the Temple of VTEC.
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=287177
On top of that, check out the Mugen RL! DROOL. It almost makes me want to trade up to the RL. And where are the Mugen parts for the 3G TL? Hah?
Wallpaper
http://www.mugen-power.com/street/LEGEND0410/m1_h.html
Mugen site
http://www.mugen-power.com/street/LEGEND0410/index.html
Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
Well people will think its a Lexus at night with those yellow fogs. That should sell a couple for those that want to fool people.....
Its nice. Nothing jaw dropping...
Its nice. Nothing jaw dropping...
#10
Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
Well people will think its a Lexus at night with those yellow fogs. That should sell a couple for those that want to fool people.....
Its nice. Nothing jaw dropping...
Its nice. Nothing jaw dropping...
#11
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Legend in the making - - Source: Autocar
Honda’s technology-packed Legend will make its European debut in Geneva next month, ahead of a spring 2006 launch in the UK, when it should be priced at around £35k. The car is packed with features such as Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), a 4x4 system that can transfer up to 100 per cent of power to the outside rear wheel to help cornering.
Power comes from a 291bhp, 260lb ft 3.5-litre V6 — the only engine in the range. The car has Adaptive Intelligent Highway Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist (a lane departure warning system), along with the Collision Mitigation Braking System, which will apply the brakes and pre-tighten seatbelts if it predicts a collision.
Keyless entry, ventilated leather seats, voice-activated sat-nav and swivelling headlamps also feature.
Power comes from a 291bhp, 260lb ft 3.5-litre V6 — the only engine in the range. The car has Adaptive Intelligent Highway Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist (a lane departure warning system), along with the Collision Mitigation Braking System, which will apply the brakes and pre-tighten seatbelts if it predicts a collision.
Keyless entry, ventilated leather seats, voice-activated sat-nav and swivelling headlamps also feature.
#13
Senior Moderator
4 months later....
Originally Posted by Zoot
The original TL and RL had yellow fogs
#14
Race Director
Originally Posted by gavriil
I am surprised that Honda does not offer a second, smaller engine in Europe. 3.5 liters is a pretty big engine for Europe.
#15
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by F23A4
...and I do recall that the Acura Vigor (the TL predecessor) had yellow fogs integrated into its headlight assembly.
#18
Senior Moderator
Euro Honda Legend Facelift Debuts in Moscow
#19
Senior Moderator
#20
Senior Moderator
Press release...
Extensive Updates for the Honda Legend
- New 3.7 litre V6-engine with more torque, lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel efficiency
- Faster acceleration
- Extensive styling updates
- Revised automatic gearbox with faster shift times and more responsive paddle-shift
- Even greater refinement for noise absorption to enhance Active Noise Cancellation system
- At the Moscow motor show, Honda has revealed the look of the re-styled Honda Legend to Europe.
This revised model gives a new edge to the top of the range Honda and responds to customer feedback on the current model. The most noticeable change is to the exterior style of the Legend, with new lights, bonnet, front wings, boot lid, bumpers and the adoption of standard 18" wheels.
Under the restyled bonnet is one of the most powerful V6 engines in this sector, giving the power of a V8 engine, while retaining the smoothness and fuel economy inherent to this layout.
The new engine has an additional 200cc that helps to give the new Legend greater torque across the whole rev range. Complementing this increase in capacity the 3.7 litre V6 has VTEC added to the exhaust valves, joining the system already fitted on the inlet side. These realised a 20% increase in torque in the mid-range. The result is an enhancement to the feeling of power, as well as the improved acceleration.
Coupled to this revised engine, is an all-new 5-speed gearbox that helps the driver exploit and enjoy the revised power unit. The new box has switched to a straight gate and empowers the driver with additional control over gear selection with revised steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters and new gearbox software. The new transmission reacts faster to changes in driver input even in the normal automatic mode and so gives the driver access to power when it's most needed.
The combined effects of the improved transmission and increase in torque mean that the new Legend can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than before. Fuel economy and CO2 have also improved over the previous model, despite the improved acceleration performance.
Central to the concept of the current Legend is the cabin refinement which reduces the stress of modern motoring. This theme has been taken a stage further with the new car by equipping it with a suite of NVH reducing technologies. The most advanced of these is the Active Noise Cancellation system (ANC), which cancels out low frequency noise by playing the opposite wave form through the Bose sound system. New to the flagship is a new form of sound deadening mat that has improved noise reducing properties and is lighter than conventional materials. An acoustic windscreen and improved bushing complete these improvements to the already very refined Honda flagship.
Safety is a cornerstone of the Legend, and adds Active Head Restraints to its already impressive safety equipment. The new head restraints are similar in principle to the items found in the Civic and Accord models and compliment the reassuring ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure. Optional in some markets are the Adaptive Cruise Control and CMBS systems, which use millimetre wave radar to detect and help reduce the risk of collisions.
The chassis of the Legend has also received some attention to further enhance the Legend's rock solid, yet entertaining handling. Although the very advanced SH-AWD system remains unchanged the settings for the suspension have been altered to improve the ride and handling.
The already well equipped Legend gets some more revisions to compliment the new model. Rear seat passengers can now enjoy the benefits of heated seats, while the Bose Audio system now has a USB socket, to enable the easy connection of an iPod.
- New 3.7 litre V6-engine with more torque, lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel efficiency
- Faster acceleration
- Extensive styling updates
- Revised automatic gearbox with faster shift times and more responsive paddle-shift
- Even greater refinement for noise absorption to enhance Active Noise Cancellation system
- At the Moscow motor show, Honda has revealed the look of the re-styled Honda Legend to Europe.
This revised model gives a new edge to the top of the range Honda and responds to customer feedback on the current model. The most noticeable change is to the exterior style of the Legend, with new lights, bonnet, front wings, boot lid, bumpers and the adoption of standard 18" wheels.
Under the restyled bonnet is one of the most powerful V6 engines in this sector, giving the power of a V8 engine, while retaining the smoothness and fuel economy inherent to this layout.
The new engine has an additional 200cc that helps to give the new Legend greater torque across the whole rev range. Complementing this increase in capacity the 3.7 litre V6 has VTEC added to the exhaust valves, joining the system already fitted on the inlet side. These realised a 20% increase in torque in the mid-range. The result is an enhancement to the feeling of power, as well as the improved acceleration.
Coupled to this revised engine, is an all-new 5-speed gearbox that helps the driver exploit and enjoy the revised power unit. The new box has switched to a straight gate and empowers the driver with additional control over gear selection with revised steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters and new gearbox software. The new transmission reacts faster to changes in driver input even in the normal automatic mode and so gives the driver access to power when it's most needed.
The combined effects of the improved transmission and increase in torque mean that the new Legend can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than before. Fuel economy and CO2 have also improved over the previous model, despite the improved acceleration performance.
Central to the concept of the current Legend is the cabin refinement which reduces the stress of modern motoring. This theme has been taken a stage further with the new car by equipping it with a suite of NVH reducing technologies. The most advanced of these is the Active Noise Cancellation system (ANC), which cancels out low frequency noise by playing the opposite wave form through the Bose sound system. New to the flagship is a new form of sound deadening mat that has improved noise reducing properties and is lighter than conventional materials. An acoustic windscreen and improved bushing complete these improvements to the already very refined Honda flagship.
Safety is a cornerstone of the Legend, and adds Active Head Restraints to its already impressive safety equipment. The new head restraints are similar in principle to the items found in the Civic and Accord models and compliment the reassuring ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure. Optional in some markets are the Adaptive Cruise Control and CMBS systems, which use millimetre wave radar to detect and help reduce the risk of collisions.
The chassis of the Legend has also received some attention to further enhance the Legend's rock solid, yet entertaining handling. Although the very advanced SH-AWD system remains unchanged the settings for the suspension have been altered to improve the ride and handling.
The already well equipped Legend gets some more revisions to compliment the new model. Rear seat passengers can now enjoy the benefits of heated seats, while the Bose Audio system now has a USB socket, to enable the easy connection of an iPod.
#21
The Third Ball
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USA got suckered with beak grilles
#22
I shoot people
meh
#23
Senior Moderator
I wonder if mugen can help out with the beak.... anyone here speak japanese to get mugen to do that?
#24
Midnight Marauder
No wonder the RL had to have that beak grille, its the only thing on it that stands out. Without that grille, this car looks so generic. Even the Genesis looks more expensive to me (on the outside).
#26
Out of all the Acura designs right now, I hate the RL's refresh the most. Followed closely by the RDX, and the new TL.
#27
Senior Moderator
The honda version is 10X better than the acura version Thats for sure.
#30
Senior Moderator
Legend > RL
#31
The sizzle in the Steak
Looks like a giant Accord...that being said...it's a helluva lot better than the RL
#32
RL's interior is still a very nice place to be, though.
#33
Race Director
Holy resurrection
I've moved 3 times since my last post in this thread. Anyway, just as in the US the Legend sales are/will be dismal. While I used to see some Legends in Switzerland I have yet to see one here. There are plenty of Accords (even as taxis) and Fit/Jazz but no Legends.
I've moved 3 times since my last post in this thread. Anyway, just as in the US the Legend sales are/will be dismal. While I used to see some Legends in Switzerland I have yet to see one here. There are plenty of Accords (even as taxis) and Fit/Jazz but no Legends.
#34
What Would Don Draper Do?
#35
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Love this car. It should be priced at $44,000 instead of $50,000 though.
I'd swap the grills and call it a day
I'd swap the grills and call it a day
#40
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How can Honda make the Honda Legend in Europe more attractive than the Acura RL in the USA? That shows that there is something seriously wrong with the Acura design team (or lack thereof).