Honda Legend

The Honda Legend is a sedan in the upper middle class of Honda, which was offered in the U.S. and Hong Kong to 1996 Acura Legend and since then there is, Acura RL.

History

First generation (KA1 - KA6, 1985-1990 )

Honda's answer to the German upper middle class was introduced in late 1985 in Germany. The four-door model had a 2.5-liter V6 engine with electronic fuel injection and made 127 kW ( 173 hp). Later, the engine was offered with regulated catalytic converter, the power decreased to 110 kW ( 150 hp). In 1987 he was a two-door coupe and a new engine. The revised engine developed 124 kW ( 169 hp) from a 2.7 liter displacement. The equipment was for that time almost completely, the original price was well below the equivalent of a then -equipped Mercedes -Benz or BMW. On the platform of the Legend based built from 1986 to 1999 Rover 800

Second generation ( KA7/KA8, 1990-1995)

The end of 1990 was followed by a change of model, initially appeared again the four-door sedan, followed in 1991 the two-door coupe. The dimensions grew, as did the Engine: The newly developed V6 engine was now powered by 151 kW ( 205 hp ) 3.2 -liter displacement. This model, especially the coupe, became the best-selling Legend so far.

Third generation ( KA9, 1995-2004)

In the spring of 1996 came the next model change. Offered only got a four-door sedan. A too weak engine, an apparently honest and optics too high a price made ​​the Legend shelf warmers. The V6 engine produced "only" 151 kW ( 205 hp) 3.5 -liter displacement, which the German buyers given the price of just under 80,000 DM appeared too expensive. The facilities and the processing, however, were quite at the highest level and needed to compare with the German competition does not shy away from.

Mid-1999 was performed a facelift. The performance slightly increased to 153 kW ( 208 hp). In addition, the standard equipment for xenon headlights, side airbags, VSA ( ESP) and an electrically adjustable steering column with memory has been expanded.

Rear view of the Honda Legend (1996-1999, Continental Europe )

Honda Legend (1999-2006, Japan)

Fourth Generation ( KB1, 2004-2012 )

In October 2004, the same time as the U.S. Acura RL version was presented a new Legend model in Japan ( from model year 2005), which caused a surprise in the professional world: for the first time since the voluntary internal market self-restraint of the Japanese automaker to 206 kW ( 280 hp ) in 1989, a production car with officially more than this performance was offered. The newly designed 3.5-liter V6 VTEC engine developed in both the U.S. and in Japan - version 221 kW ( 300 hp). A break of this limit had been more expected of a sports car model, not a sedan.

From autumn 2006, the new Legend in Europe was offered; in Germany at prices starting at 54,600 euros. The built already in the Acura RL VTEC engine that comes in the Europe - Legend to use, makes this officially 217 kW ( 295 hp). The new all-wheel drive SH -AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) distributed as active yaw system, the torque not only variably between the front and rear axles but also between the left and right rear wheel.

The end of 2008 appeared a in terms of design and technology revised version of the Honda Legend. This is available at slightly higher prices since the spring of 2009. The appearance of the front of the new Legend is similar to the Honda Accord model year 2008. Example, the shape of the headlights was changed, the fog lights and the grille edged design and the lower air intake is now divided into three parts. In addition, the painted bumpers dispensed with, and the contours of the hood stand out more. The tail is three-dimensional with the use of light and the spoiler edge has been flowing in the integrated trunk lid. Furthermore, the chrome strip was widened, changed the bumper and provided with a black diffuser and the tailpipes are now trapezoidal instead of oval. Likewise, the further working with LED technology rear lights were designed less circular and rear bumpers omitted. In the interior, however, only the materials and color were changed and expanded the use of inlays. The V6 petrol engine gets variable valve timing called VTEC and an increase in size by 200 cc to 3.7 liters. Thus, the maximum torque to be increased by up to 20% in the medium speed range. Thanks to the revised five-speed automatic transmission to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h was reduced by 0.2 seconds, and now is 7.1 seconds. In addition, the insulation of the engine compartment has been improved and supplemented by an active noise filter. As a new, standard safety features active head restraints for the front seats are now available.

In the fall of 2010 - after 25 years - took the Honda Legend in Europe due to low demand from the offer.

Rear view of the Honda Legend (2006-2008, Japan)

Interior of the Honda Legend (2006-2008, Japan)

Honda Legend (2008-2010, Japan)

Technical data (2006-2008)

Technical data (2008-2010)

Model History

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