Preview: Honda Legend
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 954
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From: Texas
Preview: Honda Legend
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/preview...y.php?id=50344
Honda Legend
here was nothing legendary about Honda's previous flagship saloon. With front-wheel drive and forgettable styling, the old Legend didn't measure up to its BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class rivals. However, that could change with this all-new version - and we were first behind the wheel to try it out.
Built on a totally new platform with a shorter wheelbase and more compact body, the Honda has clearly been given a sportier edge. The front end is similar to that of the smaller Accord, while large-diameter alloy wheels and an aggressive rising waistline hint at the Legend's performance potential.
Get behind the wheel and it's im-mediately obvious that in terms of handling, Honda has come closer to its German rivals than ever before. A new four-wheel-drive system, called Super-Handling All Wheel Drive - SH-AWD - uses a hi-tech set-up to split the power between the front and rear wheels. However, the most impressive part of SH-AWD is that up to 100 per cent of the rear axle torque can be routed to just one wheel. That means the Legend offers near-perfect handling balance when cornering.
With its well weighted and precise steering the Honda turns in just like a rear-wheel-drive car, and when pushed the system adapts to provide the maximum possible grip. Couple that with a smooth ride over rough surfaces, and the newcomer has dynamic abilities which could embarrass the 5-Series.
Under the bonnet, only one engine is available - a 300bhp 3.5-litre V6. Mated to a slick five-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual switches on the steering wheel, the gutsy unit allows the saloon to sprint from 0-60mph in only 6.4 seconds.
What's more, Honda hasn't forgotten the importance of interior design in this sector. The Legend comes with fine leather and wood trim, cleverly incorporated into a stylish, plush cabin. With the model pencilled in for a UK launch in 2006, it looks as though Honda has finally hit on a winning formula for executive car success.
here was nothing legendary about Honda's previous flagship saloon. With front-wheel drive and forgettable styling, the old Legend didn't measure up to its BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class rivals. However, that could change with this all-new version - and we were first behind the wheel to try it out.
Built on a totally new platform with a shorter wheelbase and more compact body, the Honda has clearly been given a sportier edge. The front end is similar to that of the smaller Accord, while large-diameter alloy wheels and an aggressive rising waistline hint at the Legend's performance potential.
Get behind the wheel and it's im-mediately obvious that in terms of handling, Honda has come closer to its German rivals than ever before. A new four-wheel-drive system, called Super-Handling All Wheel Drive - SH-AWD - uses a hi-tech set-up to split the power between the front and rear wheels. However, the most impressive part of SH-AWD is that up to 100 per cent of the rear axle torque can be routed to just one wheel. That means the Legend offers near-perfect handling balance when cornering.
With its well weighted and precise steering the Honda turns in just like a rear-wheel-drive car, and when pushed the system adapts to provide the maximum possible grip. Couple that with a smooth ride over rough surfaces, and the newcomer has dynamic abilities which could embarrass the 5-Series.
Under the bonnet, only one engine is available - a 300bhp 3.5-litre V6. Mated to a slick five-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual switches on the steering wheel, the gutsy unit allows the saloon to sprint from 0-60mph in only 6.4 seconds.
What's more, Honda hasn't forgotten the importance of interior design in this sector. The Legend comes with fine leather and wood trim, cleverly incorporated into a stylish, plush cabin. With the model pencilled in for a UK launch in 2006, it looks as though Honda has finally hit on a winning formula for executive car success.
That is VERY nice. The engine bay is decked out with covers and such, and im sure it has an engine undercover like we do as well, so the engine bay doesnt look like a dirty rotted mess within a year like moms civic.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 661
Likes: 0
From: VA
Originally posted by blktiger12
The funny thing is I would buy this in a heart beat... Its the RL minus 25k...lol
Might be some upset RL owners if this thing ever sees the US ....
The funny thing is I would buy this in a heart beat... Its the RL minus 25k...lol
Might be some upset RL owners if this thing ever sees the US ....
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 1
From: Connecticut
biker - thats the point... looking at the pic we know that the RL adn Legend are the same..
My comment is not factual but is guessing that if Honda marketed a car like that in the US, it would be considerably cheaper than its top of the line Acura....
My comment is not factual but is guessing that if Honda marketed a car like that in the US, it would be considerably cheaper than its top of the line Acura....
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,277
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Honda Legend --> Acura Legend --> Acura RL
Had a 92 Legend -- great car until two deer and a psycho girlfriend messed it up. The older styling was indeed classic. I do agree with SexySC that the RL comes with the better front grill though.
Had a 92 Legend -- great car until two deer and a psycho girlfriend messed it up. The older styling was indeed classic. I do agree with SexySC that the RL comes with the better front grill though.
Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Originally posted by TI II
I love the lines onf the 91-95 Legend...
I love the lines onf the 91-95 Legend...