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{{Dablink|This page is about this vehicle's Japanese model. See [[Acura Legend]] for information on the North American model.}}

{{Infobox Automobile
{{Infobox Automobile
|image=[[Image:Honda Legend 2006.jpg|250px|Honda Legend manufactured for japanese market]]
|image=[[Image:Honda Legend.|250px|Honda Legend]]
|name=Honda Legend
|name=Honda Legend
|aka=[[Acura RL]] (1996-present)<br>[[Acura Legend]] (1985-1995)
|aka=[[Acura RL]] (1996-present)<br>[[Acura Legend]] (1985-1995)
|manufacturer=[[Honda]]
|manufacturer=[[Honda]]
|production=1985-present
|production=1985-present
|class=[[Mid-size car|Mid-size]] [[luxury car]] / [[Executive car]] (UK)
|class=[[Mid-size car|Mid-size]] [[luxury car]] / [[Executive car]] (UK)
|body_style=4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]<br>2-door [[coupé]]
|body_style=4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]<br>2-door [[coupé]]
|similar=[[Hyundai Grandeur]]<br>[[Nissan Gloria]]<br>[[Toyota Crown]]
|similar=[[Hyundai Grandeur]]<br>[[Nissan Gloria]]<br>[[Toyota Crown]]
}}

With info translated from the [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9B%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%83%BB%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%82%A7%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89 entry for Honda Legend in the Japanese Wikipedia] :

The '''Honda Legend''' is a [[Mid-size car|Mid-size]] [[luxury car]] made by the [[Japan]]ese [[automaker]] [[Honda]]. It was originally developed as part of Project XX, a joint venture with the [[MG Rover Group|Austin Rover]] Group of [[UK|Great Britain]] and was a twin of the [[Rover 800]] series.

The Legend was initially a four-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]], with a two-door [[coupé]] added later. It was the model which launched Honda's upscale [[Acura]] brand in the [[United States]]. Honda was inspired by the word "[[legend]]" to create the first Honda vehicle with a [[V6]].

The first and second-generation Honda Legend was known as the [[Acura Legend]] in North American markets from 1986-1995, and in 1996 the third-generation was renamed as the Acura RL, while the Legend name is still used in Japan and other markets.

Honda introduced the Legend as a [[flagship]] sedan to compete with the JDM [[Nissan Cedric]] and [[Nissan Gloria]] twins, the [[Toyota Crown]], and later the [[Mazda Luce]], and [[Mitsubishi Debonair]]. Unlike the Nissan twins and the Crown, the Legend is not used for taxi service. In the USA, the Legend competed with larger rear wheel drive V8 sedans Lexus LS and the Infiniti Q45, however, the Legend was marketed towards the slightly smaller [[Executive car]] vehicles that include the [[BMW 5 series]], [[Audi A6]], [[Mercedes-Benz E-Class]], and the [[Jaguar S-type]].

The Legend [[hardtop]] [[coupe]] was introduced to compete with the [[Nissan Leopard]] coupe, the [[Toyota Soarer]], and [[Mazda Cosmo]].


{{commonscat|Honda Legend}}
==First generation (KA1/2/3/4/5/6, 1985-1990)==
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=First generation
|aka=[[Acura Legend]]
|image=[[Image:Honda Legend Trumpington Road 1987.jpg|250px|Honda Legend UK-spec]]<br>[[Image:First Gen Legend Coupe.jpg|250px|Honda Legend coupe]]
|production=1986&ndash;1990
|engine=2.5 L ''[[Honda C engine#C25A|C25A]]'' [[V6]]<br>2.7 L ''[[Honda C engine#C27A|C27A]]'' [[V6]] <br>2.0 L ''[[Honda C engine#C20A|C20A]]'' [[V6]]<br>2.0 L ''[[Honda C engine#C20A|C20A]]'' [[V6]] [[turbo]]
|transmission=5-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]<br>4-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
|related=[[Honda Accord]]<br>[[Honda Vigor]]
|wheelbase=Sedan: {{Auto in|108.7|0}}<Br>Coupe: {{Auto in|106.5|0}}
|length=1986-88 Sedan: {{Auto in|189.4|0}}<br>Coupe: {{Auto in|188|1}}<br>1989-1990 Sedan: {{Auto in|190.6|0}}
|width=1989-1990 Sedan: {{Auto in|68.9|0}}<Br>1986-88 Sedan: {{Auto in|68.3|0}}<Br>Coupe: {{Auto in|68.7|0}}
|height=Sedan: {{Auto in|54.7|0}}<br>Coupe: {{Auto in|53.9|0}}
}}
}}
[[Image:Honda Legend Trumpington Road 1987.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Honda Legend (badged in the US as the Acura Legend and then as the Acura RL but as the Honda Legend in Europe): first Generation 1985 - 1990. The Legend was never vigorously marketed in Europe, possibly due to perceived overlap in the market place with [[Rover 800|its Rover cousin]].]]


The Legend was based on the [[Honda Accord#Third generation (1986—1989)|1985 Honda Accord]], but was the first Honda vehicle with a [[V6]] engine. Honda wanted to appeal to wealthy middle-aged customers who were the traditional buyers of the Toyota Crown and Nissan Cedric & Gloria, as well as European mid-sized sedans. The major difference between the Legend and the Toyota and Nissan sedans was that the Legend was front wheel drive.
The '''Honda Legend''', currently marketed as the [[Acura RL]] in [[North America]], is a [[full-size]] [[luxury car]] made by the [[Japan]]ese [[automaker]] [[Honda]]. It was originally developed as part of Project XX, a joint venture with the [[MG Rover Group|Austin Rover]] Group of [[UK|Great Britain]] and was a twin of the [[Rover 800]] series.


The Legend was never vigorously marketed in Europe, possibly due to perceived overlap in the market place with [[Rover 800|its Rover cousin]]. The first-generation Honda Legend was manufactured from 1985 until 1990.
The Legend was initially a four-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]], with a two-door [[coupé]] added later. It was the model which launched Honda's upscale [[Acura]] brand in the [[United States]].


This was the first Honda vehicle to offer a driver side airbag, anti-lock brakes. seat belt pre-tensioners, and [[Traction control]], labeled as TCS by Honda. The Legend was also the first car to use traction control on a front wheel drive vehicle. The Legend also was introduced with a [[double wishbone]] suspension both front and rear. The V6 engine was only available with multi-port fuel injection that was computer controlled.
The first-generation Honda Legend was manufactured from 1985 until 1990, with a second-generation model (also offered as a sedan and coupé) launching in 1990. The Rover 800 was not renewed, continuing on the old XX platform. The third-generation Legend was released in 1996.


The trim level identified as "Exclusive" offered genuine wood trim on the dashboard and center console, and 100% wool [[moquette]] cloth upholstery, among other things. The coupe was introduced February 6, 1987.
The first and second-generation Honda Legend was known as the [[Acura Legend]] in North American markets from 1986-1995, and in 1996 the third-generation was renamed the Acura RL, while the Legend name continued on in Japan and other markets onto a third and fourth-generation.


October 14, 1988 saw a minor restyle offered for the interior and dashboard, to provide a more luxurious appearance in comparison to the Nissan and Toyota uplevel sedans the Legend was competing with. The coupe offered double wishbone suspension both front and rear also at this time.
The second-generation Legend was also manufactured by [[GM Daewoo|Daewoo]] in South Korea from 1993 to 2000 under the name of '''Daewoo Arcadia''', for the domestic market mostly.


The sedan with trim level "Xi" was used as the pace car at the [[Suzuka Circuit]].
The third-generation model was offered as a sedan only. A mid-term facelift came in 1999.


The 5 speed manual transmission was only available on the 2.0 L and 2.5 L engines.
The swoopier fourth-generation Honda Legend was launched on [[October 7]], [[2004]] and became Japan's [[Car of the Year]] for 2004&ndash;5, marking the fourth time in five years that Honda has taken the award. The new car has a {{Auto PS|300|0}} engine and an intelligent night-vision system to detect pedestrians.


==="Wing Turbo" version===
The Legend went on sale in [[Australia]] for the 2007 [[model year]], based on the third-generation RL.
In 1989, Honda made a version of the first-generation Legend that included a highly unique turbo charger called a "Wing Turbo". The turbo was unique due to its use of [[variable geometry turbocharger|Variable Turbine Geometry]], making it one of the few production cars to ever utilize this technology. This turbo was paired with the C20A engine to produce {{convert|142|kW|PS bhp|0|abbr=on}} net at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of {{convert|24.6|kgm|Nm ftlbf|abbr=on}} at 3500 rpm. <ref>[http://dwolsten.tripod.com/articles/jan89a.html AE: Honda revives turbo<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
In Japan, this engine was offered in vehicles labeled as "2.0 Ti Exclusive" and "2.0 Ti".


This engine was not offered for sale in any USA-spec Honda vehicle.
The Legend received a Mid-Model Change (MMC) for the 2009 model year.


===Engine specifications===
=="Wing Turbo" version==
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
In 1989, Honda made a version of the first-generation Legend that included a highly unique turbo charger called a "Wing Turbo". The turbo was unique due to its use of [[variable geometry turbocharger|Variable Turbine Geometry]], making it one of the few production cars to ever utilize this technology. This turbo was paired with the C20A engine to produce 142 kW JIS net at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 241 N·m at 3500 rpm. <ref>[http://dwolsten.tripod.com/articles/jan89a.html AE: Honda revives turbo<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
|-
! Engine !! Displacement (cc) / bore×stroke !! Horsepower !! Torque
|-
|C20A V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI ||1,996cc / 82.0×63.0 ||{{auto PS|145}} @6300rpm ||{{Auto Nm|172}} @5000rpm
|-
|C20A turbo V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI ||1,996cc / 82.0×63.0 ||{{auto PS|190}} @6000rpm ||{{Auto Nm|241}} @3500rpm
|-
|C25A V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI ||2,493cc / 84.0×75.0 ||{{auto PS|165}} @6000rpm ||{{Auto Nm|211}} @4500rpm
|-
|C27A V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI ||2,675cc / 87.0×75.0 ||{{auto PS|180}} @6000rpm ||{{Auto Nm|226}} @4500rpm
|}
{{-}}


==Second generation (KA7/KA8, 1990-1996)==
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=Second generation
|aka=[[Acura Legend]]<br>Daewoo Arcadia
|related= [[Honda Accord]]<br>[[Honda Inspire]]<br>[[Honda Vigor]]<br>[[Honda Ascot]]
|image=[[Image:Acura Legend 1.jpg|250px|2nd-gen Acura Legend sedan]]<br>[[Image:Acura-Legend-coupe.jpg|250px|2nd-genAcura Legend coupe]]
|production=1991&ndash;1995
|engine=3.2 L ''[[Honda C engine#C32A|C32A]]'' [[V6]]
|transmission=4-speed automatic
|wheelbase=Coupe: {{Auto in|111.4|0}}<Br>Sedan: {{Auto in|114.6|0}}
|length=Sedan: {{Auto in|194.9|0}}<br>Coupe: {{Auto in|192.5|0}}
|width={{Auto in|71.3|0}}
|height=1991-92 Coupe: {{Auto in|53.5|0}}<br>Sedan: {{Auto in|55.1|0}}<Br>1993-95 Coupe: {{Auto in|53.7|0}}
}}

The second generation model was introduced October 24 1990, and continued to offer both a sedan and coupé. The Rover 800 was not updated to the new platform, and instead continued with the old XX platform. In Japan, this Legend was also known as the "Super Legend" due to the much larger 3.2 C32A engine, which was now the only engine offered in the Legend. The Type I engine was rated at {{convert|215|PS|kW bhp|1|abbr=on}}, and the Type II was rated at {{convert|235|PS|kW bhp|1|abbr=on}} and included with the touring system. This Legend benefited from much of the research and testing done for Honda's new mid-engined high performance sports car, the [[Honda NSX]], and the Legend was used as a test platform for new NSX technologies and research. Honda introduced a passenger side airbag on this model, and used off-set collision testing to improve collision performance and safety. Trim level designations were changed to "Alpha" for the top level vehicle, and "Beta" for the lower grade. No other trim levels were offered. The "Alpha" was very well equipped, offering ABS, leather or 100% wool moquette upholstery, projector beam headlights, and dual-zone air conditioning.

The [[Japan Domestic Market]] version of the 1990 Legend (2nd generation) was the first vehicle offered with a [[automotive navigation system|navigation system]], although it was not satellite-based and instead relied on accelerometers.

September 29,1992 saw an upgrade to the "Alpha" trim level, called the Touring Series, which added the Honda Progressive Damper suspension system, and included upgraded calipers for the front and rear disc brakes, and increased the wheel size to 16 inches. A [[Luxman]] premium sound system was added to the options list.

The transmission selections were reduced to a 4 speed automatic transmission only for Japan, and a 5 speed manual transmission was offered for vehicles exported, with a 6 speed manual transmission later offered as well.

American actor [[Harrison Ford]] did commercials in Japan for the Legend.

The prefectural police department of Aomori used "Beta" sedans with the Type II engine for traffic monitoring.

The second-generation Legend was also manufactured by [[GM Daewoo|Daewoo]] in South Korea from 1993 to 2000 under the name of '''Daewoo Arcadia''', for the southeast Asian market.
{{-}}
==Third generation (KA9, 1996-2004)==
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=Third generation
|image=[[Image:Legend-Teito.jpg|250px|Honda Legend (Japan-spec)]]
|aka=[[Acura 3.5RL]]
|related= [[Honda Accord]]<br>[[Honda Inspire]]<br>[[Honda Saber]]
|production=1996&ndash;2004
|transmission=4-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
|engine=3.5 L ''[[Honda C engine#C35A|C35A]]'' [[V6]]
|layout=[[FF layout]]
|wheelbase={{auto in|114.6|0}}
|length=1996-1998:{{auto in|195.1|0}}<br>1999-2001:{{auto in|196.6|0}}<br>2002-2004:{{auto in|196.7|0}}
|width=1996-1998:{{auto in|71.3|0}}<br>1999-2001:{{auto in|71.4|0}}<br>2002-2004:{{auto in|71.7|0}}
|height=1996-1998:{{auto in|54.5|0}}<br>1999-2001:{{auto in|56.5|0}}<br>2002-2004:{{auto in|54.5|0}}
}}

The third generation Legend appeared February 14, 1996, continuing the Honda tradition of front wheel drive, and increasing the engine displatement to 3.5 L with the horsepower remaining at {{convert|215|PS|kW bhp|1|abbr=on}}. The actual Honda internal platform code for this vehicle is E-KA9.

The trim level "Exclusive" returned as the upper level car, with the standard grade vehicle known as "Euro", with the more performance tuned suspension.The wood trim used was more upscale for the "Exclusive" vehicle with a lower grade wood used on the "Euro". Both vehicles were very well equipped. The instuments used were simplified from previous versions, but 100% wool moquette upholstery was still offered, along with optional leather. The [[Luxman]] premium sound system was still available. The styling was said to more closely resemble Mercedes-Benz and a [[transponder]] key security system was offered.

September 21, 1998 saw a minor styling change, with the front grille cutting into the front bumper, providing a more prominent front grille. Emphasis was increased on providing a luxurious sense of style, both inside and out. Side impact airbags now complemented the dual front airbags as standard equipment.

September 24, 1999 saw the engine meet emissions regulations to comply with California LEV requirements.

June 19, 2003 saw the interior updated, and maple wood was offered for interior decoration. Electro-luminscent instruments were offered, as well as a higher grade of leather interior.

The third-generation Legend was released in 1996, and the third-generation model was offered as a sedan only. A mid-term facelift came in 1999. The Legend went on sale in [[Australia]] starting with the 2007 [[model year]], based on the third-generation RL.

In the USA market, when the Legend coupe was discontinued, they were offered the [[Acura CL]] 2 door coupe that was based on the American market [[Honda Accord]] coupe so as to continue offering a top level 2 door vehicle.
{{-}}
==Fourth generation (KB1, 2004-current)==
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=Fourth generation
|image= [[Image:Honda Legend 2006.jpg|250px|2006 Honda Legend (Japan-spec)]]
|aka=[[Acura RL]]
|related=[[Honda Accord]]<br>[[Honda Odyssey]]<br>[[Honda Inspire]]<br>[[Honda Elysion]]
|production=2004-current
|wheelbase=2005-09: {{auto in|110.2|0}}
|length=2005-08: {{auto in|193.6|0}}<Br>2009: {{Auto in|195.8|0}}
|layout=[[Front-engine design|Front engine]], [[four-wheel drive]]
|height=2005-08: {{auto in|57.1|0}} <Br>2009: {{Auto in|57.2|0}}
|width=2005-9: {{auto in|72.7|0}}
|transmission=5-speed automatic with sequential sport shift
|engine= 2005-08: 3.5L ''[[Honda J engine#J35|J35A]]'' {{convert|290|hp|abbr=on}}<Br>2009: 3.7L {{convert|300|hp|abbr=on}}
}}

The swoopier fourth-generation Honda Legend was launched on [[October 7]], [[2004]] and became Japan's [[Car of the Year]] for 2004&ndash;5, marking the fourth time in five years that Honda has taken the award. The new car has a {{Auto PS|300|0}} engine and an intelligent night-vision system to detect pedestrians. The newly designed J35A 3.5 L V6 was changed from a 90 degree "v" to a 60 degree, and added [[VTEC]] to improve efficiency. The horsepower no longer complied with Japanese auto industry self imposed horsepower restrictions, and the engine was capable of {{convert|300|PS|kW bhp|1|abbr=on}}. Honda began to expand the Acura division into Mexico, Hong Kong, and China.

Honda introduced four wheel drive technology on the Legend, called "SH-AWD", which earned Honda the Japan Car of the Year, and Mosuto 2005 Annual RJC technology of the Year award. Select-Shift was introduced on the 5 speed automatic transmission.

[[VTEC]] technology was introduced on this vehicle for the first time. M-TEC was added by the MUGEN division, called the M1 package.

September 15, 2005 saw a mild body restyle, which included a rear backup camera.

The Akita and Kumamoto Prefectures adoped this Legend as the official car for local senior government officials.

The Legend received a Mid-Model Change (MMC) for the 2009 model year.
{{-}}
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
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[[Category:Executive cars]]
[[Category:Executive cars]]
[[Category:Honda vehicles|Legend]]
[[Category:Honda vehicles|Legend]]
[[Category:Honda Clio]]
[[Category:1980s automobiles]]
[[Category:1980s automobiles]]
[[Category:1990s automobiles]]
[[Category:1990s automobiles]]
[[Category:2000s automobiles]]
[[Category:2000s automobiles]]
[[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1985]]
[[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1985]]



[[de:Honda Legend]]
[[de:Honda Legend]]

Revision as of 17:13, 21 August 2008

This page is about this vehicle's Japanese model. See Acura Legend for information on the North American model.
Honda Legend
2007 Honda Legend
Overview
ManufacturerHonda
Also calledAcura RL (1996-present)
Acura Legend (1985-1995)
Production1985-present
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size luxury car / Executive car (UK)
Body style4-door sedan
2-door coupé

With info translated from the entry for Honda Legend in the Japanese Wikipedia :

The Honda Legend is a Mid-size luxury car made by the Japanese automaker Honda. It was originally developed as part of Project XX, a joint venture with the Austin Rover Group of Great Britain and was a twin of the Rover 800 series.

The Legend was initially a four-door sedan, with a two-door coupé added later. It was the model which launched Honda's upscale Acura brand in the United States. Honda was inspired by the word "legend" to create the first Honda vehicle with a V6.

The first and second-generation Honda Legend was known as the Acura Legend in North American markets from 1986-1995, and in 1996 the third-generation was renamed as the Acura RL, while the Legend name is still used in Japan and other markets.

Honda introduced the Legend as a flagship sedan to compete with the JDM Nissan Cedric and Nissan Gloria twins, the Toyota Crown, and later the Mazda Luce, and Mitsubishi Debonair. Unlike the Nissan twins and the Crown, the Legend is not used for taxi service. In the USA, the Legend competed with larger rear wheel drive V8 sedans Lexus LS and the Infiniti Q45, however, the Legend was marketed towards the slightly smaller Executive car vehicles that include the BMW 5 series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the Jaguar S-type.

The Legend hardtop coupe was introduced to compete with the Nissan Leopard coupe, the Toyota Soarer, and Mazda Cosmo.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Honda Legend.

First generation (KA1/2/3/4/5/6, 1985-1990)

First generation
Honda Legend UK-spec
Honda Legend coupe
Overview
Also calledAcura Legend
Production1986–1990
Body and chassis
RelatedHonda Accord
Honda Vigor
Powertrain
Engine2.5 L C25A V6
2.7 L C27A V6
2.0 L C20A V6
2.0 L C20A V6 turbo
Transmission5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
WheelbaseSedan: Template:Auto in
Coupe: Template:Auto in
Length1986-88 Sedan: Template:Auto in
Coupe: Template:Auto in
1989-1990 Sedan: Template:Auto in
Width1989-1990 Sedan: Template:Auto in
1986-88 Sedan: Template:Auto in
Coupe: Template:Auto in
HeightSedan: Template:Auto in
Coupe: Template:Auto in

The Legend was based on the 1985 Honda Accord, but was the first Honda vehicle with a V6 engine. Honda wanted to appeal to wealthy middle-aged customers who were the traditional buyers of the Toyota Crown and Nissan Cedric & Gloria, as well as European mid-sized sedans. The major difference between the Legend and the Toyota and Nissan sedans was that the Legend was front wheel drive.

The Legend was never vigorously marketed in Europe, possibly due to perceived overlap in the market place with its Rover cousin. The first-generation Honda Legend was manufactured from 1985 until 1990.

This was the first Honda vehicle to offer a driver side airbag, anti-lock brakes. seat belt pre-tensioners, and Traction control, labeled as TCS by Honda. The Legend was also the first car to use traction control on a front wheel drive vehicle. The Legend also was introduced with a double wishbone suspension both front and rear. The V6 engine was only available with multi-port fuel injection that was computer controlled.

The trim level identified as "Exclusive" offered genuine wood trim on the dashboard and center console, and 100% wool moquette cloth upholstery, among other things. The coupe was introduced February 6, 1987.

October 14, 1988 saw a minor restyle offered for the interior and dashboard, to provide a more luxurious appearance in comparison to the Nissan and Toyota uplevel sedans the Legend was competing with. The coupe offered double wishbone suspension both front and rear also at this time.

The sedan with trim level "Xi" was used as the pace car at the Suzuka Circuit.

The 5 speed manual transmission was only available on the 2.0 L and 2.5 L engines.

"Wing Turbo" version

In 1989, Honda made a version of the first-generation Legend that included a highly unique turbo charger called a "Wing Turbo". The turbo was unique due to its use of Variable Turbine Geometry, making it one of the few production cars to ever utilize this technology. This turbo was paired with the C20A engine to produce 142 kW (193 PS; 190 bhp) net at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 24.6 kg⋅m ([convert: unknown unit]) at 3500 rpm. [1] In Japan, this engine was offered in vehicles labeled as "2.0 Ti Exclusive" and "2.0 Ti".

This engine was not offered for sale in any USA-spec Honda vehicle.

Engine specifications

Engine Displacement (cc) / bore×stroke Horsepower Torque
C20A V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI 1,996cc / 82.0×63.0 Template:Auto PS @6300rpm Template:Auto Nm @5000rpm
C20A turbo V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI 1,996cc / 82.0×63.0 Template:Auto PS @6000rpm Template:Auto Nm @3500rpm
C25A V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI 2,493cc / 84.0×75.0 Template:Auto PS @6000rpm Template:Auto Nm @4500rpm
C27A V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI 2,675cc / 87.0×75.0 Template:Auto PS @6000rpm Template:Auto Nm @4500rpm

Second generation (KA7/KA8, 1990-1996)

Second generation
2nd-gen Acura Legend sedan
2nd-genAcura Legend coupe
Overview
Also calledAcura Legend
Daewoo Arcadia
Production1991–1995
Body and chassis
RelatedHonda Accord
Honda Inspire
Honda Vigor
Honda Ascot
Powertrain
Engine3.2 L C32A V6
Transmission4-speed automatic
Dimensions
WheelbaseCoupe: Template:Auto in
Sedan: Template:Auto in
LengthSedan: Template:Auto in
Coupe: Template:Auto in
WidthTemplate:Auto in
Height1991-92 Coupe: Template:Auto in
Sedan: Template:Auto in
1993-95 Coupe: Template:Auto in

The second generation model was introduced October 24 1990, and continued to offer both a sedan and coupé. The Rover 800 was not updated to the new platform, and instead continued with the old XX platform. In Japan, this Legend was also known as the "Super Legend" due to the much larger 3.2 C32A engine, which was now the only engine offered in the Legend. The Type I engine was rated at 215 PS (158.1 kW; 212.1 bhp), and the Type II was rated at 235 PS (172.8 kW; 231.8 bhp) and included with the touring system. This Legend benefited from much of the research and testing done for Honda's new mid-engined high performance sports car, the Honda NSX, and the Legend was used as a test platform for new NSX technologies and research. Honda introduced a passenger side airbag on this model, and used off-set collision testing to improve collision performance and safety. Trim level designations were changed to "Alpha" for the top level vehicle, and "Beta" for the lower grade. No other trim levels were offered. The "Alpha" was very well equipped, offering ABS, leather or 100% wool moquette upholstery, projector beam headlights, and dual-zone air conditioning.

The Japan Domestic Market version of the 1990 Legend (2nd generation) was the first vehicle offered with a navigation system, although it was not satellite-based and instead relied on accelerometers.

September 29,1992 saw an upgrade to the "Alpha" trim level, called the Touring Series, which added the Honda Progressive Damper suspension system, and included upgraded calipers for the front and rear disc brakes, and increased the wheel size to 16 inches. A Luxman premium sound system was added to the options list.

The transmission selections were reduced to a 4 speed automatic transmission only for Japan, and a 5 speed manual transmission was offered for vehicles exported, with a 6 speed manual transmission later offered as well.

American actor Harrison Ford did commercials in Japan for the Legend.

The prefectural police department of Aomori used "Beta" sedans with the Type II engine for traffic monitoring.

The second-generation Legend was also manufactured by Daewoo in South Korea from 1993 to 2000 under the name of Daewoo Arcadia, for the southeast Asian market.

Third generation (KA9, 1996-2004)

Third generation
Honda Legend (Japan-spec)
Overview
Also calledAcura 3.5RL
Production1996–2004
Body and chassis
LayoutFF layout
RelatedHonda Accord
Honda Inspire
Honda Saber
Powertrain
Engine3.5 L C35A V6
Transmission4-speed automatic
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
Length1996-1998:Template:Auto in
1999-2001:Template:Auto in
2002-2004:Template:Auto in
Width1996-1998:Template:Auto in
1999-2001:Template:Auto in
2002-2004:Template:Auto in
Height1996-1998:Template:Auto in
1999-2001:Template:Auto in
2002-2004:Template:Auto in

The third generation Legend appeared February 14, 1996, continuing the Honda tradition of front wheel drive, and increasing the engine displatement to 3.5 L with the horsepower remaining at 215 PS (158.1 kW; 212.1 bhp). The actual Honda internal platform code for this vehicle is E-KA9.

The trim level "Exclusive" returned as the upper level car, with the standard grade vehicle known as "Euro", with the more performance tuned suspension.The wood trim used was more upscale for the "Exclusive" vehicle with a lower grade wood used on the "Euro". Both vehicles were very well equipped. The instuments used were simplified from previous versions, but 100% wool moquette upholstery was still offered, along with optional leather. The Luxman premium sound system was still available. The styling was said to more closely resemble Mercedes-Benz and a transponder key security system was offered.

September 21, 1998 saw a minor styling change, with the front grille cutting into the front bumper, providing a more prominent front grille. Emphasis was increased on providing a luxurious sense of style, both inside and out. Side impact airbags now complemented the dual front airbags as standard equipment.

September 24, 1999 saw the engine meet emissions regulations to comply with California LEV requirements.

June 19, 2003 saw the interior updated, and maple wood was offered for interior decoration. Electro-luminscent instruments were offered, as well as a higher grade of leather interior.

The third-generation Legend was released in 1996, and the third-generation model was offered as a sedan only. A mid-term facelift came in 1999. The Legend went on sale in Australia starting with the 2007 model year, based on the third-generation RL.

In the USA market, when the Legend coupe was discontinued, they were offered the Acura CL 2 door coupe that was based on the American market Honda Accord coupe so as to continue offering a top level 2 door vehicle.

Fourth generation (KB1, 2004-current)

Fourth generation
2006 Honda Legend (Japan-spec)
Overview
Also calledAcura RL
Production2004-current
Body and chassis
LayoutFront engine, four-wheel drive
RelatedHonda Accord
Honda Odyssey
Honda Inspire
Honda Elysion
Powertrain
Engine2005-08: 3.5L J35A 290 hp (220 kW)
2009: 3.7L 300 hp (220 kW)
Transmission5-speed automatic with sequential sport shift
Dimensions
Wheelbase2005-09: Template:Auto in
Length2005-08: Template:Auto in
2009: Template:Auto in
Width2005-9: Template:Auto in
Height2005-08: Template:Auto in
2009: Template:Auto in

The swoopier fourth-generation Honda Legend was launched on October 7, 2004 and became Japan's Car of the Year for 2004–5, marking the fourth time in five years that Honda has taken the award. The new car has a Template:Auto PS engine and an intelligent night-vision system to detect pedestrians. The newly designed J35A 3.5 L V6 was changed from a 90 degree "v" to a 60 degree, and added VTEC to improve efficiency. The horsepower no longer complied with Japanese auto industry self imposed horsepower restrictions, and the engine was capable of 300 PS (220.6 kW; 295.9 bhp). Honda began to expand the Acura division into Mexico, Hong Kong, and China.

Honda introduced four wheel drive technology on the Legend, called "SH-AWD", which earned Honda the Japan Car of the Year, and Mosuto 2005 Annual RJC technology of the Year award. Select-Shift was introduced on the 5 speed automatic transmission.

VTEC technology was introduced on this vehicle for the first time. M-TEC was added by the MUGEN division, called the M1 package.

September 15, 2005 saw a mild body restyle, which included a rear backup camera.

The Akita and Kumamoto Prefectures adoped this Legend as the official car for local senior government officials.

The Legend received a Mid-Model Change (MMC) for the 2009 model year.

References

  1. ^ AE: Honda revives turbo

See also


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