It's been eighteen years since we last saw the Legend nameplate in
Acura showrooms here in the US, but in Japan it's still very much
alive as Honda's flagship sedan. And now the Japanese automaker has
revealed the latest generation.
From AB
014.11.10
Honda to Begin Sales of All-New "Legend"\0Model to
feature SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD with 3 electric motors
TOKYO, Japan, November 10, 2014- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced
it would begin sales of the all-new Legend flagship sedan at
dealerships across Japan on January 22, 2015. The new hybrid system
features revolutionary hybrid technology to deliver a combination of
unprecedented driving pleasure, a refined and comfortable ride and
outstanding environmental performance.
The fifth-generation Legend features SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD*1, which
comprises three electric motors. Featuring a gasoline engine, a single
front motor and twin rear motors, the hybrid system automatically
combines front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with
EV Drive, Hybrid Drive or Engine Drive to respond continuously to
driver inputs and driving conditions and ensure optimally efficient
performance.
The twin rear motors provide drive and deceleration power to the rear
wheels in any ratio. This revolutionary torque vectoring*2 technology
delivers highly stable handling in every type of driving and refined
driving comfort that exceeds expectations for the Legend's class. At
the same time, the Legend's advanced hybrid system offers outstanding
fuel economy of 16.8 km/L as measured in JC08 mode.*3
The all-new Legend also features the advanced driver-assistive system
Honda SENSING,*4 which can help the driver prevent or effectively
respond to dangerous driving situations, thereby making the driving
experience safer and more enjoyable. Among other functions, Honda
SENSING includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and
the world's first*5 Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering System,
which is designed to help prevent collisions with pedestrians.
*1 SPORT HYBRID Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
*2 A mechanism and control system that controls the distribution of
torque to the left and right drive wheels
*3 Testing by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and
Tourism
*4 Honda SENSING is Honda's brand name for its advanced
driver-assistive system. Named for its leading-edge sensing
technologies, Honda SENSING supports the sensing, decision-making and
control skills of drivers, contributing to greater comfort, safety and
peace of mind.
*5 Honda research as of November 2014
ÏMonthly sales target for Legend series (Japan): 300 units
ÏManufacturer's suggested retail price
Type Engine Transmission Drive Price
(incl.8 percent
consumption tax)
Legend V6 3.5 L
direct injection i-VTEC 7-speed DCT 4WD
(SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD) ¥6,800,000
* Prices are for reference only and do not include insurance, taxes
(except consumption tax), registration or other fees.
* In accordance with Japan's automobile recycling law, a separate
recycling fee will be levied. The recycling fee includes a recycling
deposit (to cover expenses required to recycle shredder dust, air bags
and fluorocarbons, plus an information management fee) and a capital
management charge.
* There is an additional charge of ¥54,000 (¥50,000 before consumption
tax) for the White Orchid Pearl, Super Platinum Metallic, Crystal
Black Pearl and Gilded Pewter Metallic body colors.
Key features of the all-new Legend
*Performance
ûSPORT HYBRID SH-AWD
Positioned at the front of the vehicle is a newly developed V6 3.5 L
direct injection i-VTEC engine and a 7-speed DCT*6 with an integrated
high-performance electric motor. Positioned at the rear of the vehicle
is the TMU (Twin Motor Unit). Teaming up with a high-output
lithium-ion battery, the control unit coordinates the operation of the
engine and three motors. These are the main components of the all-new
Legend's advanced hybrid system.
SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD features three distinct driving modes, in which
the hybrid system automatically controls the engine and three motors
for optimal performance. In EV Drive, the two rear electric motors
power the vehicle. In Hybrid Drive, the gasoline engine powers the
front wheels while the two rear motors power the rear wheels. In
Engine Drive, the gasoline engine provides power to the front wheels.
Responding continuously to driver inputs and driving conditions, the
hybrid system automatically selects the most energy-efficient driving
mode and the optimal choice of front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or
all-wheel drive. In all three driving modes, the hybrid system uses
all four wheels to efficiently regenerate electricity during
deceleration, helping to delivery outstanding fuel economy of 16.8
km/L.
Operating completely independent of the torque of the gasoline engine,
each of the two motors located at the rear in the TMU (Twin Motor
Unit) offers maximum output of 27 kW. Each rear motor is independently
controlled and can supply either positive (drive) torque or negative
(declaration) torque to its wheel. Thanks to this advanced torque
vectoring, the Legend offers an ideal experience of tracing the
driver's intended path at all speed levels and exceptionally stable
handling worthy of a flagship sedan.
ûV6 3.5 L direct injection i-VTEC engine
In combination, the newly developed V6 3.5 L direct injection i-VTEC
engine and three electric motors deliver maximum output of 281 kW (382
PS) and acceleration performance superior to that of a standalone V8
gasoline engine. Honda's own VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) allows
the engine to idle three cylinders on one side of the "V" to
save energy as needed, while the hybrid system also features highly
efficient regenerative braking and deceleration. As a result, the
hybrid system offers fuel economy equivalent to that of a standalone
inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine.
ûChassis
In addition to SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD with its flexible distribution of
drive power to the four wheels, the all-new Legend features Agile
Handling Assist (AHA), which controls braking to enhance the vehicle's
handling performance. Also included is Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA),
which is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control in
challenging situations by applying braking inputs as required.
Coordinated control of these technologies helps the all-new Legend
deliver outstanding handling stability and performance in a wide range
of driving conditions, from urban intersections to winding suburban
roads to high-speed freeways.
Further supporting the all-new Legend's outstanding performance are
the new lower double-joint double wishbone front suspension and
multi-link rear suspension. Both the front and rear suspension feature
new amplitude-sensitive dampers with an optimized spring rate and
damping force, contributing to the all-new Legend's superb handling
stability and refined ride comfort. The all-new Legend also features
greatly enhanced body rigidity, including joint rigidity. Thanks to
Honda's proprietary technology for connecting steel and aluminum, all
of the door skins are made of lightweight aluminum. Lightweight
construction throughout the vehicle further contributes to the all-new
Legend's outstanding handling stability and fuel economy.
*6 Dual clutch transmission
*Design
ûExterior
The exterior design of the all-new Legend is flowing and dynamic. The
body features a wide and low form, as well as an elegant cabin that
invites people to the roominess within. The Jewel Eye LED headlights
with their sparkling, gem-like lenses further add to the refined,
high-quality styling. The low beams are super-wide and brightly
illuminate even the shoulder of the road.
ûInterior
Leveraging the fact that the all-new Legend utilizes a front-wheel
drive layout, the design makes highly efficient use of space to offer
outstanding interior comfort. While the total length is approximately
the same as that of the previous model, the interior is roomier than
ever. Rear legroom is so generous that occupants can even cross their
legs in comfort. In sum, the all-new Legend offers a level of comfort
that is among the best in its class.
In addition, the seats of the all-new Legend feature high-quality
genuine leather. Moreover, soft pads on the instrument panel, door
linings, armrests and other areas that come in frequent contact with
occupants are made of realistic faux leather, enveloping occupants in
all seats with relaxing and soothing comfort.
*Hospitality
ûQuietness
In addition to featuring ample sound-proofing and -absorbing
materials, the all-new Legend minimizes noise and vibration at the
source to offer an outstanding level of quietness. The powerplant
itself is designed for minimal vibration, featuring an active control
engine mount that anticipates engine vibration and effectively cancels
it out. To combat road noise, the tires use aluminum foil that
effectively reduces unpleasant resonant noise that originates inside
them.
ûAudio
The interior design and amenities of the all-new Legend help create
the ultimate space in which to enjoy the ultimate drive. Honda has
selected as its audio development partner US-based Krell Industries,
the world's premier manufacturer of high-end audio equipment.
Integrating Krell's technologies and know-how into the all-new Legend
from the design stage onward has resulted in incredible audio realism.
The power amplifier boasts outstanding dynamic range and offers
exceptional clarity. The audio system features 14 speakers optimally
positioned within the all-new Legend's interior to deliver an amazing
audio experience for all occupants.
ûComfort amenities
The rear window and rear side windows features sunshades with enhanced
functionality, and the total area protected by sunshades has
increased. The rear center armrest features a control panel with a
large color display, adding to the enjoyment and convenience of rear
occupants.
The windshield features a convenient head-up display that helps the
driver maintain a consistent line of sight. In addition to displaying
a digital speedometer, this display can show turn-by-turn driving
directions from the navigation system and even allows monitoring of
the Legend's torque vectoring in real time.
*Advanced driver-assistive Honda SENSING system
With the global safety slogan of "Safety for Everyone,"
Honda envisions an accident-free society in which everyone can use the
road in safety. To this end, Honda has developed safety technologies
that cover every aspect of accidents: active safety technologies that
can help prevent an accident, passive safety technologies that can
help mitigate harm should an accident occur and pre-crash safety
technologies that combine both the active and passive approaches.
Leveraging its technologies that sense the environment outside the
vehicle, Honda has developed the advanced driver-assistive Honda
SENSING system and included it on the all-new Legend. Designed to help
the driver prevent or effectively respond to dangerous driving
situations, Honda SENSING includes the world's first Pedestrian
Collision Mitigation Steering System, which is designed to help
prevent collisions with pedestrians.
The Honda SENSING system receives information from two sources with
different characteristics: a millimeter-wave radar system located
inside the front grille and a monocular camera mounted inside the
windshield. Offering enhanced performance, the millimeter-wave radar
can sense the position and velocity of a wider range of targets,
including pedestrians, which tend to be difficult to sense due to low
radar reflectivity. The monocular camera is able to see up to 60 m in
front of the vehicle, allowing the system to determine the size and
other characteristics of pedestrians or objects and further enhancing
the precision of the system as a whole.
In addition to these and other driver-assistive functions that sense
in the forward direction, Honda SENSING includes functions that sense
in the rearward and lateral directions to take safety support to the
next level. Honda SENSING automatically and continuously senses the
intentions of the driver and situation of the vehicle; uses visual,
aural and tactile warnings to provide the driver with information and
alert him or her of hazards; and provides accelerator, brake and
steering inputs as needed to make the driving experience safer and
more enjoyable.
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