Honda: Legend News
Wake me up when their designs are a little more eye-catching.
06-04-2019, 09:33 AM
#44
Safety Car
AutoBlog
https://www.autoblog.com/2019/05/24/...end-trademark/
Is the Acura Legend coming back?
A trademark in Europe (and plenty of rumors) suggest it is
Zac Palmer
May 24th 2019 at 2:10PM
Great news for fans of the Acura Legend: Honda has applied for a trademark in Europe for the word "Legend," pertaining to "Vehicles; Apparatus for locomotion by land; Apparatus for locomotion by air; Apparatus for locomotion by water; Parts and fittings for land vehicles; Parts and fittings for air and space vehicles; Parts and fittings for water vehicles."
This trademark was 1st spotted by AutoGuide.com, and gives more credence to our speculation from a couple months ago about the possibility of the Legend nameplate returning to the Acura lineup in the States. If you were reading closely before, you'll notice that it was actually Honda that applied for the trademark, not Acura. The Legend was sold with a Honda badge on it in Europe back in the day, so this trademark filing in Europe makes perfect sense.
In our previous report, we put forth the idea that Acura could bring the Legend name back with a successor to the RLX flagship sedan. Specifically, we were thinking that Acura would use the 4-door coupe form previewed by the Acura Precision concept. That story also suggested a new Legend flagship could debut during Monterey Car Week.
The 1986 Legend sedan was one of Acura's 1st 2 vehicles when the brand launched (the other being the Integra). It had a smooth 2.5-liter V6 that made all of 151 horsepower at the time. A sweet-looking coupe soon followed the sedan. The name Legend would be applied to a 2nd-generation, which is arguably the 1 best-remembered. The coupe in particular has lived up to its name. Much of that legendary status, though, is the result of what followed: the Legend name and coupe body style dying for 1996 in favor of the RL, a 4-door sedan as bland as its name. Acura's flagship has never recovered.
We'll be quite pleased if Acura ultimately decides to reveal a totally new Legend to blow us away in Monterey. The return to actual names for the lineup would also be lovely. It's certainly working for Lincoln. Now if they'd only trademark "Integra" ...
Featured GalleryAcura Legend
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Legend2TL (06-04-2019)
06-04-2019, 09:59 AM
#45
AZ Community Team
^ that gold 1G Legend sedan is the identical car we had.
05-13-2020, 07:55 AM
#46
Safety Car
AutoMobileMag
https://www.automobilemag.com/news/a...tions-changes/
The Acura Legend: History, Generations, Changes
All things Acura Legend on Automobile.
Aaron GoldWriterManufacturerPhotographerMay 11, 2020
Acura Legend Essential History
In the late 1980s, three Japanese automakers created new luxury marques for sale primarily in North America, an effort to maximize per-car profit in the face of voluntary limits on Japanese exports of cars to the United States. Honda was the 1st, its new-for-1986 Acura subsidiary beating Toyota's Lexus division and Nissan's Infiniti brand to American shores by 3 years.The 1st Acura: The Legend
The flagship Legend was the 1st of 2 Acuras to be introduced, the other being the compact Integra hatchback. (Like the Integra, the Legend was sold as a Honda in other markets.) The Legend sedan was a big car by Honda standards, nearly a foot longer than the contemporary Accord, though only an inch and a half wider.Acura Legend Gets Honda's 1st V-6 Engine
Under the hood was something American buyers had never seen from Honda: A V-6 engine. Its displacement (2.5 liters) and output (151 hp, 154 lb-ft) seem modest by modern standards, but with multi-port fuel injection and 4 valves per cylinder—though only 1 camshaft per cylinder head—it was a thoroughly modern engine at a time when the domestics were still using carburetors and pushrods. While most of the industry was using MacPherson struts and beam axles for their front-wheel-drive cars, the Legend had a 4-wheel independent suspension with double wishbones up front and (somewhat ironically) struts out back. Other luxury cars were automatic-only, but the Legend offered a manual-transmission option for its entire model run.Initial reviews were good, with the Legend drawing praise for its sharp handling, fuel- and space-efficiency, and its well-designed interior, which was classy but not overly-adorned. Of course, at the time there weren't many cars to which the Legend could be compared.
1987 Acura Legend Coupe
Acura added a 2 -door Legend coupe for the 1987 year, and our colleagues at MotorTrend liked it well enough to name it their Import Car of the Year in 1987. The coupe had a double-wishbone rear suspension and its V-6 was bored out to 2.7 liters for an increase of 10 hp and 10 lb-ft. The Legend sedan got the bigger engine in 1987 and the double-wishbone rear suspension in 1989.1991 Acura Legend: The 2nd Generation
Acura introduced an all-new 2nd-generation Legend for the 1991 model year. This was a bigger car, with 6 more inches of wheelbase and length, and its styling was far slicker. The engine was enlarged to 3.2 liters and delivered 200 hp and 210 lb-ft. In an effort to address complaints about a lack of low-end torque, Honda fitted a novel variable induction system that changed the routing of air through the intake manifold in three distinct RPM-linked phases. Unlike the 1st-generation Legend, the new car's engine was mounted longitudinally, raising questions about whether Acura intended to fit a V-8 or all-wheel-drive. The company demurred at the time, and we now know neither would come to pass.The End of the Acura Legend
Of course, by now the Legend did have competition. Writers praised its lower price compared to other big Japanese luxury cars, as well as the continuing availability of a manual transmission. However, many lamented the lack of opulence compared to the Lexus LS400 and Infiniti Q45, as well as Honda's steadfast refusal to fit a V-8 engine or send power to the rear wheels.In 1993, the Legend coupe got another power bump to 230 hp and 206 lb-ft, with a 6-speed manual as the standard-fit transmission. This powertrain came to the sedan in the form of the 1994 Legend GS. The 1994 models also saw some minor styling changes. The end came in 1995, the last year for the Legend; it was replaced by the new-for-1996 3.5 RL.
Acura Legend Highlights
The Legend coupe was the first Acura to be fitted with a driver's airbag. It was optional for the 1987 model year and became standard on both the coupe and sedan for 1989.Though Acura enlarged the Legend for 1991, they saw sales potential for a vehicle that fit in the 1st-generation Legend's footprint. The result was the new-for-1992 Vigor, which was similar in size (and, arguably, style) to the original Legend. It was powered by an unusual a longitudinally-mounted 5-cylinder engine. Lexus enlarged the 2nd-generation ES to the same general dimensions, and Infiniti followed in 1992 with the similarly-sized J30.
Acura Legend sales for the 1st 3 years of production were higher than sales of the Infiniti Q45 over its entire 18-year run.
1 of the 1994 styling changes was that the "Legend" name was now spelled out in large letters across the trunk lid. This led at least one British publication to refer to the car as the "Leg End".
Acura Legend Buying Tips
The Acura Legend has not garnered much collector interest, but as one of the few large Japanese luxury cars offered with a manual transmission, and given its light, Honda-like demeanor on the road, perhaps they aren't getting the recognition they deserve. Unlike its competitors, Infiniti never went in for unusual high-tech features like hydraulic suspensions or 4-wheel-steering, so Legends are fairly straightforward cars. It's safe to buy a high-mileage example, but bear in mind that Acuras were frequently bought by aging Honda buyers, and there are still some gently-used low-mileage examples to be found.Acura Legend Articles on Automobile
The Legend wasn't the only Acura to stick with three pedals.The Legend's slightly-smaller sibling was a real oddball from a conservative automaker.Acura Legend Recent Auctions
- 34k-Mile 1990 Acura Legend L
- 1994 Acura Legend Coupe LS 6-Speed
- 1989 Acura Legend Coupe 5-Speed
- 1989 Acura Legend LS Coupe 5-Speed
- 1993 Acura Legend Coupe 6-Speed
Acura Legend Quick Facts
- First year of production: 1986
- Last year of production: 1995
- Total sold: 477,931
- First year base price (1986): $19,898 (sedan), $22,458 (coupe)
- Last year base price (1995): $34,160 (sedan), $38,100 (coupe)
- Characteristic features: Front-wheel-drive, independent suspension, longitudinal engine (2nd-gen)
Acura Legend FAQ
When did Acura stop making the Legend?
The Acura Legend ceased sale and production as of the 1995 model year. It was replaced by the 1996 3.5 RL.Will Acura bring back the Legend?
Acura registered the Legend name in 2019, spurring speculation that it intended to bring the name back on a replacement for the slow-selling RLX, though Acura may have merely been protecting the name against use by a rival. Automakers tend to favor alphanumeric names when they want to increase brand profile (buyers will refer to their Acura RLX as "my Acura" but their Honda Accord as "my Accord"). Given Acura's current market position, it's likely it will continue to use alphanumeric names rather than re-use the Legend name—for now, at least.What replaced the Acura Legend?
The Acura Legend was replaced by the 1996 Acura 3.5 RL, which was itself replaced by the 2004 Acura RL, and then the 2014 Acura RLX.Are Acura Legends good cars?
The Acura Legend relied on more conservative engineering than its Lexus and Infiniti rivals, which kept the costs down, though many critics accused the Legend of not being as luxurious, prestigious, or innovative as the Lexus LS400 and Infiniti Q45. However, the Legend was a more driver-oriented car than the softly-sprung Lexus and delivered a good drive without the complexity of the Infiniti. The Legend earned a reputation for meticulous build quality and outstanding reliability, so yes, we would say that the Acura Legend was a very good car.Last edited by TSX69; 05-13-2020 at 07:57 AM.
11-11-2020, 07:59 AM
#47
Safety Car
Cnn
https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/11/busin...hnk/index.html
Honda's New Legend will Drive Itself on Nusy Roads
By Michelle Toh and Yoko Wakatsuki, CNN BusinessUpdated 8:38 AM ET, Wed November 11, 2020
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Hong Kong/Tokyo (CNN Business)Honda (HMC) is launching a new version of its Legend sedan that will take over for drivers on busy highways after the company got approval for its level 3 self-driving system in Japan.
The Japanese government has touted the move as a "world 1st," saying that it would make Honda the first carmaker to mass produce and sell the next level of self-driving vehicles. Other driver assistance systems, such as Tesla's (TSLA)Autopilot and General Motors' (GM) Supercruise, are level 2 systems, meaning that they can control vehicle speed and steering, but still require the driver to pay attention at all times and be ready to intervene. Level 3 systems may only require driver attention in specific situations.
Honda said in a statement on Wednesday that it received approval from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The company plans to start selling Legends equipped with its system before the end of March 2021.
The car industry has adopted 6 levels of automated driving, which dictate how much assistance a vehicle can provide. Currently, there are no mass produced cars available at level 3, though some automakers have been testing vehicles with more sophisticated level 4 technology, which entails a vehicle mostly capable of driving itself, though it may be restricted to a certain area. Level 5 automation, in which autonomous vehicle control could be guaranteed for virtually every situation and the need for a steering wheel is removed, is considered the ultimate goal for self-driving cars.
Michigan plans to redesign a stretch of road for self-driving cars
In the United States, "there is no vehicle currently available for sale that is 'self-driving,'" according to the US Department of Transportation. "Every vehicle currently for sale in the United States requires the full attention of the driver at all times for safe operation," the agency states on its website.
Honda's system, which is called the "Traffic Jam Pilot," would only take over driving in certain scenarios,"such as when the vehicle is in congested traffic on [expressways]," the company stressed in a statement.
But Japan hopes this is just the beginning, particularly as the country looks for an edge in the global self-driving car race."Automated driving cars are expected to play a big role in solving various social challenges that Japan faces, such as reducing traffic accidents, securing the elderly people's transportation and improvement of the productivity in transportation sector," the Japanese ministry said.
Japan hopes to lead the world in the field of autonomous driving, and will continue to promote the use of the technology, it added.
11-11-2020, 08:09 PM
#48
Alot of people need to eat there words.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-h...-idUSKBN27R0LV
“Self driving cars are expected to play a big role in helping reduce traffic accidents, provide transportation for the elderly and improve logistics,” said Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-h...-idUSKBN27R0LV
Honda says will be first to mass produce level 3 autonomous cars
Japan’s government earlier in the day awarded a safety certification to Honda’s autonomous “Traffic Jam Pilot” driving technology, which legally allow drivers to take their eyes off the road.“Self driving cars are expected to play a big role in helping reduce traffic accidents, provide transportation for the elderly and improve logistics,” said Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
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TSX69 (03-04-2021)
03-04-2021, 02:23 PM
#49
Safety Car
Level 3
https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-co...tures-in-japan
Honda launches next generation Honda SENSING Elite safety system with Level 3 automated driving features in Japan
March 4, 2021 — TOKYO, Japan- Honda launches new Honda SENSING® Elite safety system
- Fitted to Honda Legend Hybrid EX available for lease in Japan
- Honda SENSING Elite features ‘Traffic Jam Pilot’ function, first Level 3 automated technology to be approved by Japanese authorities
- Other features include ‘Hands-off’ and ‘Emergency Stop Assist’
Striving to realize a collision-free society based on its global safety slogan, “Safety for Everyone,” Honda has long been at the forefront of the research and development of safety technologies. The introduction of the Legend equipped with Honda SENSING Elite represents the next step forward in the area of advanced safety technology.
Honda SENSING Elite is a variation of Honda SENSING, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies currently available on Honda vehicles around the world. The name “Elite” represents the outstanding and “elite” technologies included in this latest variation.
One of the “elite” technologies featured is the “Traffic Jam Pilot” function, an advanced technology qualifying for Level 3 automated driving (conditional automated driving in limited area), for which Honda has received type designation from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)*1. Traffic Jam Pilot technology enables the automated driving system to drive the vehicle, instead of the driver, under certain conditions such as when the vehicle is in congested traffic on an expressway.
For vehicle control, the system determines the position of the vehicle and road conditions using data from 3-dimensional high-definition maps and the global navigation satellite system (GNSS*2), while detecting the vehicle’s surroundings using several external sensors that provide 360-degree input. At the same time, the system tracks the condition of the driver using a monitoring camera mounted inside the vehicle. Based on this wide range of information, the main electronic control unit (ECU) recognizes current conditions, anticipates future conditions and applies a high-level of control to acceleration, braking and steering inputs to assist the driver and achieve high-quality and smooth driving.
Placing the highest priority on safety and reliability, approximately 10 million patterns of possible real-world situations were simulated during system development, and real-world demonstration tests were conducted on expressways for a total of approximately 1.3 million kilometers (800,000 miles). Moreover, the system incorporates a redundant system design to ensure safety and reliability in the event of a problem with any of the devices.
With exterior styling befitting a flagship sedan, the automated driving sensors are subtly integrated into the body panels, producing a clean design while discreetly highlighting the vehicle’s automated driving capability.
Interior equipment exclusive to this model includes Honda SENSING Elite indicator lights, which feature carefully selected and visible positions, sizes, colors, brightness and other details, as well as a 12.3-inch full-LCD graphic meter. This equipment was adopted to provide an intuitive understanding of system operation status, current driving situation and any requests to transfer control back to the driver.
Key features of Honda SENSING Elite
‘Hands-off’ Functionality
While driving with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) activated, when certain conditions are satisfied on an expressway, the system will assist the driving operations even while the driver has their hands off the steering wheel.
- Adaptive in Lane Driving:
- Active Lane Change Assist with Hands-off Function (Driver assessment)
- Active Lane Change with Hands-off Function (System assessment)
Traffic Jam Pilot
While driving using the Adaptive in Lane Driving, if the vehicle gets caught in traffic congestion, under certain slow speed conditions the system can take control of acceleration, braking and steering while monitoring the vehicle’s surroundings on behalf of the driver. The system drives, stops, and resumes driving within the same lane while maintaining a proper following interval in accordance with the speed of the vehicle detected ahead. While the vehicle is under the control of the system, the driver can watch television/DVD on the navigation screen or operate the navigation system to search for a destination address, which helps mitigate driver fatigue and stress while driving in a traffic jam.
- Emergency Stop Assist:
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
The interface enables the driver to instantaneously recognize the operating status of the system, the driving situation and any handover requests issued by the system. Honda SENSING Elite indicator lights are positioned on the steering wheel, the top part of the navigation screen and glovebox. When the Hands-off Function is activated, the indicator light on the steering wheel illuminates, and when Traffic Jam Pilot is activated other indicator lights also come on with a blue light. When the system requests a handover to the driver, all indicator lights change their color to orange and blink to send an easy-to-understand message to the driver. The large 12.3-inch, full-LCD meter also displays the operating status of the system, driving situation and the handover requests in a simple yet expressive manner.
Limited leasing of the Honda Legend Hybrid EX commences in Japan on March, 5, 2021.
*1 Reception of the type designation was announced on November 11. 2020.
Please refer to the press release: https://global.honda/newsroom/news/2020/4201111eng.html
*2 GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, a collective name for satellite positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems.
*3 Depending on the situation, the system may stop the vehicle without making lane change(s).
Publicity materials relating to this press release are available at the following URL: https://news.honda.co.jp/en/
(The site is intended exclusively for the use of journalists.)
03-04-2021, 02:24 PM
#50
Safety Car
AutoBlog
https://www.autoblog.com/2021/03/04/...-autonomous-2/
Honda Legend becomes world's 1st certified level 3 autonomous car
Only 100 will be sold in Japan at a price of $102,000
Reuters
Mar 4th 2021 at 8:25AM
TOKYO — Honda on Thursday unveiled a partially self-driving Legend sedan in Japan, becoming the world's first carmaker to sell a vehicle equipped with new, certified level 3 automation technology.The launch gives Japan's No.2 automaker bragging rights for being the first to market, but lease sales of the level 3 flagship Legend would be limited to a batch of 100 in Japan, at a retail price of 11 million yen ($102,000).
Still, the new automation technology is a big step towards eliminating human error-induced accidents, chief engineer Yoichi Sugimoto told reporters.
The Legend's "Traffic Jam Pilot" system can control acceleration, braking and steering under certain conditions.
Once the system is activated, a driver can also watch movies or use the navigation on the screen, helping to mitigate fatigue and stress when driving in a traffic jam, Honda said in a statement.
It can alert the driver to respond when handing over the control, such as vibration on the driver's seatbelt, the carmaker said. And if the driver continues to be unresponsive, the system will assist with an emergency stop by decelerating and stopping the vehicle while alerting surrounding cars with hazard lights and the horn, it added.
The announcement comes after the Japanese government awarded a safety certification to Honda's "Traffic Jam Pilot" in November.
Global automakers and tech companies, including Google parent Alphabet Inc's Waymo and Tesla Inc, have been investing heavily in autonomous driving.
Yet even as the technology advances, regulations on autonomous driving differ from country to country. Audi unveiled an A8 sedan with level 3 technology in 2017, but regulatory hurdles have prevented it from being widely introduced.
Honda has no plans to increase production or sales of a level 3-equipped Legend for now, its operating officer said on Thursday.
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