Honda Legend

CHASSIS

• High dynamic capabilities

• Extensive use of aluminium components reduces unsprung weight

• Front double wishbone suspension

• Rear multi-link suspension

• Variable power assist rack and pinion steering (EPS on right-hand drive option)

• Vehicle Stability Assist for even greater security

• Ventilated disc brakes front and rear with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist

Quick handling responses, outstanding ride comfort and a fun-to-drive character aptly describe the Honda Legend chassis. A highly rigid body provides an excellent platform for the four-wheel independent suspension, double-wishbone at the front and multi-link at the rear.

Aluminium suspension components front and rear cut unsprung weight and allow for more supple and responsive suspension action and more consistent traction and handling on rough roads. The optimised suspension geometry works with the electronically controlled power steering (electric power steering on right-hand drive models) and the system to give exceptional handling balance in virtually every driving condition. Linear cornering feel, a flat ride, and a high level of controllability at all times result in an increased feeling of precision and security for the driver and passengers alike.

Ride quality and road noise isolation were also the focus of substantial engineering effort, so even with its elevated sporting performance, the Legend remains quiet and composed.

Front double-wishbone suspension

The front suspension is a double-wishbone type with a large subframe mount and compliance bushing. In addition, the dampers feature rebound springs that reduce chassis attitude changes to ensure a flat ride during acceleration and cornering.

The steering knuckle (or upright), upper arm, lower arm and subframe are all lightweight aluminium.

Rear multi-link suspension

The rear suspension is a multi-link type with a new enlarged subframe mount and a longer upper arm design. As a result, the roll centre is optimised for better turning response, cornering stability and control in extreme conditions.

The geometry is also characterised by linear toe and camber changes during suspension travel, while improved roll stiffness also enhances the Legend's cornering capabilities. Anti-lift characteristics reduce the pitching motion of the body during braking.

Harshness and road noise are also significantly reduced, and ride comfort is also measurably improved, thanks to these changes and a new compliance bushing. Lightweight aluminium is used for the control arms and subframe. The components are also stiffer to withstand the higher side loads that SH-AWD, larger tyres and a stiffer unit body create.

Variable power assist rack-and-pinion steering

Steering system goals were to combine a light, but linear steering feel at low speeds with a solid steering feel at high speeds. The speed-sensing steering assist unit in the Legend provides a very linear and direct steering feel regardless of vehicle speed. In particular, the on-centre feel is very precise and linear, with no discernible 'dead spot'.

Electric power steering system is available as an option for right-hand drive models.

Vehicle Stability Assist

The Legend is equipped as standard with Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system. Closely integrated with SH-AWD, VSA is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying brake force to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and managing the engine torque systems.

At its simplest level, VSA has a traction control function whereby it detects wheel slip under acceleration and coordinates the use of braking and engine torque to regain traction. In situations where the driven wheels are on surfaces with different levels of traction, such as a partially wet road surface, the system applies braking action to the wheel that's slipping, allowing the tyre with better grip to move the vehicle. In addition, the system reduces engine output to minimise wheelspin.

By monitoring input from a series of vehicle sensors, VSA calculates a predicted range of vehicle response while constantly monitoring the vehicle's actual response and the driver's control inputs. If the actual response is outside the predicted response range, as when cornering forces exceed the tyres' performance, VSA automatically intervenes with corrective action.

In the case of oversteer (which may lead to a spin), VSA applies braking to the outside wheel to counter the yawing tendency. On the other hand, if understeer is detected, VSA applies braking to the inside wheel and reduces engine power to turn the car back on to the intended course.

An indicator light flashes on the instrument panel while the system is actively enhancing the stability of the vehicle. A cockpit switch to the side of the instrument panel is provided to disable the VSA.

All-round ventilated disc brakes

Excellent stopping power is provided by all-round disc brakes. The 320 mm ventilated front discs feature extremely rigid aluminium 4-piston callipers. The rear discs are also ventilated, 310 mm in diameter and operated by single-piston aluminium callipers.

The system includes Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), an anti-lock braking system and Brake Assist. The latter helps drivers apply full braking pressure in an accident avoidance situation. To do so, a microprocessor continually analyses and 'learns' the driver's normal braking habits, monitoring both the rate of pressure applied and the total pressure that the driver normally applies to the brake system.

If the driver suddenly applies the brakes, Brake Assist brings the system to full ABS activation to help stop the vehicle in the shortest distance possible. It is only activated when the microprocessor detects that certain brake pedal speed and pressure thresholds are reached.

Importantly, Brake Assist assists the driver in obtaining full braking performance in an emergency. The Brake Assist system deactivates when the driver releases pressure on the brake pedal.

Wheels and tyres

The Legend is equipped with 17 x 8J cast aluminium alloy wheels shod with 235/50 R17 tyres. 18 inch items are dealer optional items.

Apendix/Specs

Standard equipment on the new Legend includes:

• Super

• ABS with EBD and Brake Assist

• Vehicle Stability Assist

• 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic and Shift Hold Control

• Manual shifting facility via either the gear shift or steering-wheel mounted paddles

• Rear-view camera

• Satellite navigation with RDS-TMS traffic information and 8 inch screen

• Cruise control

• Immobiliser

• Alarm with inclination sensor

• Dual control automatic air conditioning

• Sunroof with one-touch close

• Headlamp washers

• Rain sensing wipers with variable intermittent

• 17 inch alloy wheels

• Auto dimming rear view driver's mirror

• Auto dimming, heated door mirrors (both aspheric) with auto tilt down facility during reversing

• Power boot and fuel lid openers

• Water-dispersing side windows

• Power door locking and Remote keyless entry

• 8-way power adjustable front seats including lumbar adjust

• Wood trimmed instrument panel

• Heated front seats

• Leather upholstery

• Cut pile carpets

• Leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob

• Accessory socket

• Outside temperature gauge

• Power windows

• Rear headrest remote fold down

• Rear seat electric sunshade

• Rear side sunshades

• Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

• Green tinted glass

• Sunglasses holder

• Front and rear cup holders

• Console armrest and storage boxes

• Front door pockets

• Front seat back pockets

• Rear armrest pass through with key

• BOSE Surround Sound System with 6 CD autochanger, 10 speakers and MP3/WMA player

• Multi-information display

• Bluetooth wireless mobile phone interface

• Interface dial

• Steering wheel remote controls including audio, cruise control, satellite navigation, voice activation, Multi-information display and where fitted ACC, CMBS, and LKAS

• Boot cargo hooks

• Front dual stage airbags and side airbags

• Full-length curtain airbags

• Front and rear seatbelt reminders

• Front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters,

• Rear seat ISOFIX fittings (2)

• Pyrotechnic pop-up hood

• Crash sensor with power door unlock

• Anti-whiplash front seat headrests

• Front and rear foglamps

• High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlamps

• Active Front lighting System (AFS)

Optional items include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

• Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) with E-pretensioners

• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) (RHD only)

• Active ventilation seats

• Wooden trim for steering wheel and gear knob

HONDA LEGEND SPECIFICATION

ENGINE		3.5 SOHC VTEC
Cylinders		V6
Valvetrain		Variable valve Timing and Lift Electronic control (VTEC) with 4 valves per cylinder, belt-driven overhead camshaft
Bore x stroke (mm)		89 x 93
Capacity (cc)		3471
Compression ratio		11.0:1
Max. power kW/PS		217/ 295
@ rpm		6,200
Max. torque Nm		351
@ rpm		5,000
Fuel system		Honda PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Fuel rating		Unleaded 95 Ron
Construction		Aluminium alloy block and head with cast iron cylinders
Layout		Transversely mounted, (SH-AWD)
TRANSMISSION		5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift, paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control
Gear ratios	1st	2.520
	2nd	1.572
	3rd	1.071
	4th	0.729
	5th	0.604
	Reverse	1.888
	Final	4.375
SUSPENSION
Front		Independent double-wishbone with coil springs, gas shock absorbers with progressive valve technology and anti-roll bar (29.5 mm dia)
Rear		Independent multi-link with coil springs, gas shock absorbers with progressive valve technology and anti-roll bar (20 mm dia)
STEERING
Gear type		Variable power assisted rack and pinion
Turns lock to lock		3.04
Steering Ratio		16.1:1
Turning circle dia (m)	at body	12.2
	at wheel	11.6
BRAKES
Front		Ventilated disc (320mm)
Rear		Disc (310mm)
WHEELS AND TYRES
Wheels		17 x 8 J alloy
Tyres		235/50 R17 100W

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHTS, CAPACITIES
Overall length (mm)			4955
Overall width (mm)			1845
Overall height (mm)			1450
Wheelbase (mm)			2800
Front track (mm)			1575
Rear track (mm)			1585
Ground clearance (mm)			145
Luggage space (VDA) (ltr)			452
Kerb weight (kg)			1864-1882
Max. permitted weight (kg)			2310
Towing weight (kg)		Braked	1600
		Unbraked	750
Fuel tank (litres)			73
PERFORMANCE
Max. speed (km/h)			250
Accel. 0-100 km/h (sec)			7.3
FUEL CONSUMPTION (93/116/EC)				LKAS
l/100km	Urban		17.0	16.5
	Extra Urban		8.9	8.6
	Combined		11.9	11.5
CO2 emissions g/km			282	27

Source: Motor Corporation

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Related entries:
Legend facelift