Honda Launches New Lexus-Rivalling Legend

By Motoring Channel Staff - 15/Aug/2006

Melbourne, Australia — On sale from September 18th, the $74,500 Honda Legend has one of the most comprehensive standard features lists of any Japanese car ever built, and will even be able match some luxury German brands for innovative features.

Here is a small selection of what Honda has equipped its new model with:

• Super Handling All Wheel Drive

• GPS linked, solar sensing, dual zone, dual mode, automatic climate control system

• Dual stage front airbags, side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags

• 8-way power front seats with power lumbar support

• 3 powered rear headrests

• Security alarm

• Reversing Camera

• Powered tilt and telescopic steering wheel w/memory setting

• Rain sensor wipers

• Auto tilt reverse mirror

• Heated door mirrors

• Sunroof open and close by the key

• Rear electric sunshade

• Side sunshades

• HID headlights with auto setting, and AFS (Active headlights)

• Active noise control

Though Honda only plans to sell a few hundred V6 Legends per year - it's brand-new large luxury sedan - that doesn't mean the new model isn't important to the brand as a whole. Until now, the most prestigious sedan Honda had on its fleet was the American-inspired Accord V6, but with this new flagship model Honda has a new luxury ace up its sleeve, able to challenge brands such as Lexus and even some German brands not only with standard equipment, but also with its sharp looks.

Originally launched at the 2004 New York Auto Show, the Honda Legend (which is badged as the Acura RL in the States) aims to be a technology leader in the premium large sedan market, and with features like the powerful new 200kW+ VTEC engine and an intelligent AWD system that sounds like it's come from a futuristic prototype vehicle, it has given itself a good chance of luring buyers away from other luxury brands.

In addition to the car's advanced features, the Japanese company has designed the next generation Legend to be bold but without scaring off conservatively minded buyers.

The front of the new 2006 model Honda Legend has more in common with the Integra than the old Honda Legend it will replace, bringing a greater level of sportiness and style to the large sedan. Honda's design team styled the grille and headlights in such a way that it lends the new flagship vehicle a more athletic demeanor when compared to some prestige cars, while also bringing it more inline with the Honda's global design values.

The AWD Honda sedan sits on 17-inch alloys (of a five spoke design) with wide 235/50 R17 tyres all round, though a space saver spare is a bit sad, but makes for more boot space, 452 litres in total. The wheels show off large 320mm front and 310mm rear vented discs, which are assisted by ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and VSA (vehicle stability assist (aka ESP)).

Other design features take form at the rear, including what some believe to be a controversial boot because, like BMW's 7 Series boot, it too is raised above the shoulder line and is slightly bulbous looking. Honda says the same thing Chris Bangle (BMW's chief of design) said, that it was designed simply for increased boot space: function over form.

At 4955mm long, the new Honda is longer than the Ford Falcon and will provide occupants with a good measure of interior space. Providing the music is a premium 10-speaker, 260 watt Bose DVD-audio system, with 6 stacker CD player that has MP3 and WMA capability. Honda says the system is tuned to deliver surround sound to all seating positions, and with features like two-stage heated seats, an electric rear sunshade and acres of leather, occupants will be in the lap of luxury.

Power is derived from an advanced version of Honda's 3.5-litre V6 engine. The SOHC 6-cylinder VTEC engine develops 217kW of power @ 6200rpm and 351Nm of torque @ 5000rpm, which will give the vehicle a quick 0-100km/h sprint time. Fuel economy is not too bad for a vehicle that produces more than 200kW (11.8L/100km) and is mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox, which has a sequential shift mechanism activated via steering wheel mounted shift paddles, but the gear lever can also be used.

The Legend also features a fairly large 73 litre fuel tank, so it's cruising distance should be above par.

The standard features that Honda hopes will attract top tier buyers from other marques, especially Lexus, includes dual xenon headlights that, like Mercs and Beemers, swivel to better illuminate around corners at night. The Adaptive Front Lighting System, or AFS in Honda speak, can swivel the headlamps up to 20 degrees in either direction in response to vehicle speed and input from the steering wheel.

As well as a range of airbag systems, the Honda Legend also gets vehicle stability assist to keep all four wheels on the road, but most important of all its driving aids, and perhaps the biggest drawcards for the new Honda, is the all wheel drive "SH-AWD" system. This Super Handling AWD system is comprised of a symmetrical 4WD system with active front, rear and central differentials.

From all accounts though, it sounds like the real deal, and beyond being able to divert torque between the front and rear axles, the SH-AWD (SH stands for Super-Handling) system can also transfer torque to between the rear left and right wheels. Here's the official line on the new SH-AWD system:

"During straight line cruising and moderate cornering, up to 70 percent of torque is at the front wheels. During full throttle acceleration or spirited driving, up to 70 percent of available torque goes to the rear wheels for increased acceleration and enhanced cornering. In addition to varying the torque front to rear, SH-AWD varies the amount of torque to the left and right rear wheels.

"When cornering, this groundbreaking technology overdrives the outer rear wheel, sending up to 100 percent of rear torque to that wheel to dramatically enhance the RL's cornering, steering feel, handling and stability. The result is class-leading cornering performance and cornering stability as well as enhanced traction on dry or wet surfaces."

Honda explains it well, and this SH-AWD system has got of legs, and is likely to be cloned by other car makers in the near future. The idea of transferring more torque between the rear wheels sounds intriguing, the front-wheel drive feeling of understeer that many AWD vehicles have would be replaced with a tendency to oversteer.

Though it tips the scales at 1855kg dry, taking its mass to more than 2 tonnes with fuel, passengers and luggage, the Honda Legend features numerous aluminium components to keep the weight from balooning. The bonnet, boot, front fenders, sub frame and some suspension components are all aluminium, which will also improve its steering response with the lighter front end.

As mentioned, the new Honda Legend will go on sale in Australia on the 18th of September and will be priced at $74,500.