Honda Legend - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

Sections of this article are translated from Japanese Wikipedia.

The Honda Legend is a mid-size

Mid-size car

A mid-size car is the North American/Australian standard for an automobile with a size equal to or greater than that of a compact...

luxury car made by the Japan

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

ese automaker

Automaker

The automotive industry designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells motor vehicles, and is one of the world's most important economic sectors by revenue....

Honda. It was the result of Project XX, a joint agreement started in November 1981 with the Austin Rover Group

Austin Rover Group

The Austin Rover Group was a British motor manufacturer. It was formed in 1981 as the mass-market car manufacturing subsidiary of British Leyland...

of Great Britain and was mechanically related to the Rover 800

Rover 800

The Rover 800 series is an executive car introduced by the Austin Rover Group in 1986 and also marketed as the Sterling in the United States. Co-developed with Honda, it was a close relative to the Honda Legend and the successor to the Rover SD1....

series.

When the Legend made its appearance into the market, rival companies in Europe, Japan and North America took notice, and quickly introduced or revised products that could be compared to it. Toyota began development in 1983 with the F1 project, the code name

Code name

A code name or cryptonym is a word or name used clandestinely to refer to another name or word. Code names are often used for military purposes, or in espionage...

for a secret flagship sedan effort that became the Lexus LS, and Nissan updated their premium flagship the President

Nissan President

The Nissan President was a Japanese luxury limousine produced by Nissan from 1965 to 2010. The car was mainly used by corporate executives and government officers. It was a luxury sedan specifically aimed to the Japanese market, where its main competitor was the Toyota Century.The President was...

initially introduced in 1966, and offered the new President in North America as the Infiniti Q45

Infiniti Q45

The Infiniti Q45 was a full-size luxury car sold by Nissan's Infiniti marque from 1990 until 2006. It is a rear wheel drive, four-door sedan powered by a V8 engine. Early generations were based on the automaker's Japanese-market flagship sedan, the Nissan President, while models produced after 1997...

. In 1986, Mitsubishi completely redesigned its flagship sedan, the Mitsubishi Debonair

Mitsubishi Debonair

The Mitsubishi Debonair is a four-door luxury car, introduced by Mitsubishi Motors in 1964 to serve as their flagship passenger vehicle in the Japanese domestic market. Three distinct generations were available during its 35-year production run until it was discontinued in 1999...

(introduced in 1964), and shared the new Debonair with South Korean manufacturer Hyundai, introducing the Hyundai Grandeur

Hyundai Grandeur

The New Grandeur and the third generation of the Mitsubishi Debonair were the products of a joint development between Hyundai and Mitsubishi Motors. Mitsubishi was responsible for the powertrain, and Hyundai was responsible for the body and trim design...

, and in 1990 the Mitsubishi Diamante

Mitsubishi Diamante

The Mitsubishi Diamante is a car manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors between 1990 and 2005. It was first introduced to the public at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1989, and went on sale in Japan in May 1990. The name was derived from the Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian words for diamond. It became the...

joined the Debonair.

In North America, Lincoln

Lincoln (automobile)

Lincoln is an American luxury vehicle brand of the Ford Motor Company. Lincoln vehicles are sold mostly in North America.-History:The company was founded in August 1915 by Henry M. Leland, one of the founders of Cadillac . During World War I, he left Cadillac which was sold to General Motors...

took a new approach to the venerable Continental offering for the first time a front wheel drive luxury sedan with a V6 engine in 1988, and General Motors introduced the GM H platform (FWD)

GM H platform (FWD)

The H platform, or H-body designates a General Motors front wheel drive full-sized automobile platform beginning in 1986. It is related to the C, G and K platforms.Previously the H platform designation was used for unrelated rear-wheel drive compact cars....

that was used by Buick

Buick

Buick is a premium brand of General Motors . Buick models are sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Taiwan, and Israel, with China being its largest market. Buick holds the distinction as the oldest active American make...

, Oldsmobile

Oldsmobile

Oldsmobile was a brand of American automobile produced for most of its existence by General Motors. It was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897. In its 107-year history, it produced 35.2 million cars, including at least 14 million built at its Lansing, Michigan factory...

, and Pontiac

Pontiac

Pontiac was an automobile brand that was established in 1926 as a companion make for General Motors' Oakland. Quickly overtaking its parent in popularity, it supplanted the Oakland brand entirely by 1933 and, for most of its life, became a companion make for Chevrolet. Pontiac was sold in the...

mid-level sedans. Cadillac also introduced the Sedan de Ville on its new "C

GM C platform

The General Motors C platform was an automobile platform designation used for full sized luxury cars until 2005.-Rear wheel drive:...

" body platform with front wheel drive in 1985. Chrysler reintroduced the Imperial in 1990 also using a V6 powered front wheel drive sedan and an extended wheelbase.

In Europe, Audi took a fresh approach to the 100 and in 1994 introduced the A6, and BMW introduced the BMW 5 Series (E34) in 1988.

Honda introduced the Legend as a flagship

Flagship

A flagship is a vessel used by the commanding officer of a group of naval ships, reflecting the custom of its commander, characteristically a flag officer, flying a distinguishing flag...

sedan to compete with the popular JDM Nissan Cedric

Nissan Cedric

The Nissan Cedric is a large automobile produced by Nissan since 1960. It was developed to provide upscale transportation, competing with the Prince Skyline and Gloria which were later merged into the Nissan family...

/ Nissan Gloria

Nissan Gloria

The Gloria is a large luxury car made from 1959 by the Prince Motor Company, and later by Nissan Motors since its merger with the former - hence being originally marketed as Prince Gloria and later as Nissan Gloria...

twins, and the Toyota Crown

Toyota Crown

The Toyota Crown is a line of full-size luxury sedans by Toyota. The range was primarily available in Japan and some other Asian countries, originally designed to serve as a taxi...

. In North America, the Legend competed with larger rear wheel drive V8 sedans Lexus LS

Lexus LS

The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. Four generations of the sedan have been produced, all equipped with V8 engines and rear-wheel drive, although since 2006 all-wheel drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants have also...

, Infiniti Q45

Infiniti Q45

, Cadillac Brougham

Cadillac Brougham

Originally an enclosed carriage, drawn by a single horse, for 2-4 persons, “Brougham” owes its name to a British statesman, Henry Brougham, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux, whose second claim to fame is having given to the sea-front drive, in Nice in the South of France, the nick-name of Promenade des...

, Lincoln Town Car

Lincoln Town Car

The Lincoln Town Car is a full-size luxury sedan that was sold by the upscale Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company; it was produced from 1981 to the 2011 model years...

, and the large German sedans, however, the Legend was packaged to compete in the slightly smaller Executive car

Executive car

Executive car is a British term that refers to a car's size and is used to describe an automobile larger than a large family car. In official use, the term is adopted by EuroNCAP, a European organisation founded to test car safety.- History :...

class, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of executive-size cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in various engine and body configurations. The E initially stood for Einspritzmotor, ; a new feature in volume production vehicles at the time that the E-Class first appeared, with the E as a suffix to the...

, Lexus ES

Lexus ES

The Lexus ES series is a family of mid-size luxury sedans sold by Lexus since 1989. Now in its fifth generation, the series has been consistently built on the Toyota Camry platform with a V6 engine, automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive...

, Infiniti J30, Alfa Romeo 164

Alfa Romeo 164

The Alfa Romeo 164 is an executive car with saloon body, produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 1987 to 1998.The 164 was re-badged as the 168 for the Hong Kong and Malaysian markets, as the number "164" had a very negative connotation , and "168" has quite the opposite The Alfa Romeo 164...

, and the Volvo 940 sold at the time.

The Legend was initially a four-door sedan, with a two-door personal luxury coupé

Coupé

A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...

added later. It was the model which launched Honda's upscale Acura

Acura

Acura is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company. The brand has been available in the United States and Canada since March 1986, marketing luxury, performance, and near-performance vehicles. It was introduced to Hong Kong in 1991, Mexico in 2004, and China in 2006...

brand in the United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

, and the Honda Clio sales channel in Japan. Honda was inspired by the word "legend

Legend

A legend is a narrative of human actions that are perceived both by teller and listeners to take place within human history and to possess certain qualities that give the tale verisimilitude...

" to create the first Honda vehicle with a V6.

The first and second-generation Honda Legend was known as the Acura Legend

Acura Legend

The Acura Legend, sold as the Honda Legend outside the U.S., Canada, and parts of China, was a luxury vehicle sold from 1986 to 1995 as both a sedan and coupe. It was the first flagship sedan sold under the Acura nameplate, until being renamed in 1996 as the Acura 3.5RL. The 3.5RL was North...

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.

The Legend hardtop

Hardtop

A hardtop is a term for a rigid, rather than canvas, automobile roof. It has been used in several contexts: detachable hardtops, retractable hardtop roofs, and the so-called pillarless hardtop body style....

coupe

Coupé

A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...

was introduced to compete with the Nissan Leopard

Nissan Leopard

The Nissan Leopard is a line of luxury sports cars built by Japanese carmaker Nissan. The Leopard began life in 1980 and was discontinued in 1999. Leopards were initially based on the Japanese market Nissan Skyline and Nissan Laurel and the American Datsun 910/Nissan Maxima, then later based on the...

coupe, the Toyota Soarer

Toyota Soarer

The Soarer made its first appearance at the 1980 Osaka International Motor Show with the name "EX-8", and the Z10 series Toyota Soarer was produced from February 1981 to December 1985, with 2.0L, 2.8L or 3.0L DOHC I-6 variants. The first generation Soarer debuted with a rear-wheel drive...

, and Mazda Cosmo

Mazda Cosmo

There have been four generations of Mazda automobiles which went by the name of Cosmo, although they are not all particularly related. All were Grand tourers, with the first proving a successful launch for the Mazda Wankel engine and acting as a "halo" vehicle for the new Mazda brand...

and shared many mechanicals with the Rover 800

Rover 800

coupe.

Recently there is some market based pressure for Honda to upgrade the engine from a V6 to a V8, as products identified as Acura have the same refinement and engine efficiency as the top line Legend/RL. There is speculation that Honda has developed both a V8 and V10 engine used in racing models, but no decision has been made to actually install any engine larger than a V6 into the Honda flagship as of yet.

First generation (KA1-KA6, 1985-1990)

The first-generation Legend, introduced to Japan October 22, 1985, was the first production Honda vehicle to offer only a SOHC V6 engine worldwide. The introduction of the Legend also coincided with the launch of a new dealership sales channel in Japan, called Honda Clio. The Legend was a result of a joint venture with Britain's Austin Rover Group

Austin Rover Group

The Austin Rover Group was a British motor manufacturer. It was formed in 1981 as the mass-market car manufacturing subsidiary of British Leyland...

called Project XX that started in November 1981 with the Austin Rover-Honda XX letter of intent signed by the two companies to replace the Rover SD1

Rover SD1

Rover SD1 is both the code name and eventual production name given to a series of large executive cars made by British Leyland or BL through its Specialist, Rover Triumph and Austin Rover divisions from 1976 until 1986....

and to provide a luxury vehicle for Honda, and was codenamed as HX. The Rover Company had a long established reputation as a luxury car maker in the United Kingdom and Europe, demonstrated with the Rover P5

Rover P5

The Mark II version of the P5 was introduced in 1962. It featured more power from the same 3.0 L engine and an improved suspension, while dropping the glass wind deflectors from the top of the window openings which also, on the front doors, now featured "quarterlight" windows .The most...

and Rover P6

Rover P6

The first P6 used a 2.0 L engine designed specifically for the P6. Although it was announced towards the end of 1963, the car had been in "pilot production" since the beginning of the year, therefore deliveries were able to begin immediately. Original output was in the order of . At the...

, and Honda wanted to introduce a luxury car for the Japanese, European and North American markets. Rover also wanted to return to the American market when previously they had reportedly sold only 1,500 cars in 1971, and a brief return in 1980, selling 800 Rover SD1s by offering the Sterling

Sterling (car)

Sterling was a brand name of automobile marketed in the USA by ARCONA, Austin Rover Cars Of North America under the name Sterling Motor Cars, a division of the Rover car company of the UK...

which was also a result of the ARG-Honda partnership. The development work was carried out at Rover's Canley

Canley

Canley is a suburban neighbourhood located in southwest Coventry, England. Canley became part of Coventry as a result of successive encroachment of the latter's boundaries between 1928 and 1932, having historically been part of the Stoneleigh parish....

, Coventry

Coventry

Coventry is a city and metropolitan borough in the county of West Midlands in England. Coventry is the 9th largest city in England and the 11th largest in the United Kingdom. It is also the second largest city in the English Midlands, after Birmingham, with a population of 300,848, although...

plant and Honda's Tochigi Prefecture

Tochigi Prefecture

is a prefecture located in the Kantō region on the island of Honshū, Japan. The capital is the city of Utsunomiya.Nikkō, whose ancient Shintō shrines and Buddhist temples UNESCO has recognized by naming them a World Heritage Site, is in this prefecture...

development centre. The European market Legend was produced by Austin-Rover alongside the 800 in the former Morris Plant Oxford

Plant Oxford

Plant Oxford located in Cowley, Oxford, is the central assembly facility for the MINI range of cars. The plant forms the Mini production triangle along with Plant Hams Hall where engines are manufactured and Plant Swindon where body pressings and sub-assemblies are built.-History:In 1912, William...

in Cowley, Oxfordshire. US-market Legends were built in Japan.

Japanese market

Honda wanted to expand its model range above the Honda Accord, and offer a premium level sedan that would appeal to wealthy middle-aged customers who were the traditional buyers of the Toyota Crown and Nissan Cedric/Gloria. In 1981 Honda had introduced a luxury level version of the Accord, called the Honda Vigor, but realized that they needed to manufacture a larger, more exclusive sedan with similar dimensions to the Crown, Cedric, and Gloria. When the Legend was introduced worldwide, the optional equipment list was very minimal as commonly identified equipment regarded as luxury in nature was included as standard equipment, leaving the only option the choice between a manual or automatic transmission.

The major mechanical difference between the Legend and the Toyota and Nissan sedans was that the Legend was front wheel drive, which Honda stated was "quite simply the most logical means to the ends the engineers desired: a true luxury car with a low, aerodynamic hood; a spacious interior with a nearly flat floor, and the superior traction that results from placing the engine and drivetrain transversely over the drive wheels." This provided the Legend with a front-end heavy 63/37 front to rear weight distribution ratio, similar to the NSU Ro80. The ride was engineered to appeal towards the luxury car market and not necessarily towards the performance market, and the front to rear weight distribution ratio reflected this goal. Efforts to minimize torque steer were achieved by the half shaft

Half shaft

The term half shaft is another name for a front-wheel drive shaft, which is also called the constant velocity axle or CV axle. There is one half shaft per wheel. Some may further to this part as a CV shaft....

s and the angles of the joints at the ends of those shafts being equalized, helping the Legend to accelerate in a straight line.

The Japanese-spec Legend was offered with three trim levels; the V6Xi with the 2.5 L C25A V6 engine, with the slightly shorter and narrower V6Gi and V6Zi using the 2.0 L C20A V6. The V6Gi had the same level of equipment and luxury features as the V6Xi, whereas the V6Zi had reduced content and a lower price. The V6 engines were available with electronic, multi-port sequential fuel injection Honda called Programmed Fuel Injection, or PGM-FI and a variable length intake manifold

Variable Length Intake Manifold

In internal combustion engines, a variable length intake manifold , or variable intake manifold is an automobile internal combustion engine manifold technology...

on the smaller 2.0 L V6. The larger 2.5 L engine was upgraded to the C27A 2.7 L displacement for model year 1988 and added the variable length intake manifold as a major engine improvement. Transmission selections were either a four speed automatic transaxle with a computer controlled lockup torque converter, or a five speed manual transaxle.

In order for the sedan to comply with Japanese vehicle size requirements and reduced tax liability, the car with the 2.0 L V6 was slightly shorter and narrower for Japanese buyers by reducing the extension of the front and rear bumper covers, and reducing the overall width to 1695 mm (66.7 in). This also offered an alternative to the traditional Crown and Cedric/Gloria customer base due to the sedan being in the smaller size classification and reduced tax liability but with a comparable level of luxury equipment found in the larger cars, and the same amount of interior space due to the front wheel drive powertrain, with a wheelbase advantage of 30 mm (1.2 in) over the Cedric / Gloria and Crown. To address the issue of durability, the Legend was manufactured as a Monocoque

Monocoque

Monocoque is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object's external skin, as opposed to using an internal frame or truss that is then covered with a non-load-bearing skin or coachwork...

sedan instead of a four door hardtop

Hardtop

, a bodystyle still offered at the time by Toyota and Nissan on the Crown and Cedric/Gloria. The slightly smaller bodystyle also allowed the Legend to compete with the upscale Toyota Cresta

Toyota Cresta

The Toyota Cresta was a rear wheel drive 4-door hardtop sedan built by Toyota and launched in 1980 that shared a chassis with the Mark II/Cressida, sold at Toyopet Store dealerships. The goal of the Cresta was a higher level of luxury in comparison to the Mark II, and the Chaser was the performance...

and Chaser

Toyota Chaser

The Toyota Chaser is a mid-size car produced by the Toyota Motor Company, Japan. Most were 4-door sedans, with the 2-door coupe discontinued after the first generation...

and the Nissan Laurel

Nissan Laurel

In April 1968 Nissan presented its new Laurel in four-door deLuxe and Super deLuxe versions, both equipped with a 1.8 L inline-four cylinder engine and independent rear suspension. In summer 1970 a hardtop coupé joined the line-up, one year later a 2000 cc engine became available...

.

The Legend offered many Honda "firsts", such as a driver side airbag, vehicle speed sensitive power assist rack and pinon steering, anti-lock brakes, seat belt pre-tensioners with Emergency Locking Retractors (called E.L.R.), a choice of 100% wool or cloth moquette

Moquette

Moquette is type of fabric with a thick, dense pile. It is a particularly versatile and hard-wearing material, predominantly wool with a small percentage of polyester. Moquette is renowned for its attractive, hard-wearing, durable, and fire-resistant qualities, hence it is commonly used for...

upholstery, and "TCS" Traction control

Traction control system

A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...

, the first car to use traction control on a front wheel drive vehicle. Attention was given to make sure the Legend was quiet, so Honda used computer simulation using NASTRAN

Nastran

NASTRAN is a finite element analysis program that was originally developed for NASA in the late 1960s under United States government funding for the Aerospace industry. The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation was one of the principal and original developers of the public domain NASTRAN code...

, a stress analysis program created by NASA

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...

, helping the car achieve a drag coefficient

Automobile drag coefficient

The drag coefficient is a common metric in automotive design pertaining to aerodynamic effects. As aerodynamic drag increases as the square of speed, a low value is preferable to a high one...

of 0.32 and an interior noise level of 63dB (measured while the vehicle was travelling at 100 kilometre per hour using a manual transmission in 5th gear), and by using triple seals around the tops of door openings.

The Legend was introduced with a double wishbone suspension for the front wheels, and a modified Chapman strut

Chapman strut

The Chapman strut is a design of independent rear suspension used for light cars, particularly sports and racing cars. It takes its name from, and is best known for its use by, Colin Chapman of Lotus....

with trailing arm

Trailing arm

thumb|220px|Trailing arm rear suspension of [[Front-engine, front-wheel drive layout|FF]] carsA trailing-arm suspension is an automobile suspension design in which one or more arms are connected between the axle and the chassis. It is usually used on rear axles...

rear suspension Honda called "RF (Reduced Friction) Strut Rear Suspension" with progressive rate rear coil springs that stiffen as they compress to combine smooth ride and good handling. The rear coil spring was separate from the strut and positioned so that vertical pressure was supported by the lower control arm. The term Reduced Friction referred to the minimizing of forces that create friction in the shock absorbers, providing more efficient damping for the full suspension stroke. The rear suspension was upgraded to double wishbone starting with the 1988 model year worldwide.

Notable owners of the first year Legend were Soichiro Honda

Soichiro Honda

was a Japanese engineer and industrialist, and founder of Honda Motor Co., Ltd..Honda was born in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan on November 17, 1906. He spent his early childhood helping his father, Gihei, a blacksmith, with his bicycle repair business. At the time his mother, Mika, was a weaver. At...

the founder of Honda, Satoru Nakajima

Satoru Nakajima

Satoru Nakajima is a former racing driver from Japan.-Career:Nakajima was born into a farming family living just outside Okazaki, Japan. He began driving cars in his early teens in the family's garden with his older brother giving him tips, careful that they were not caught by their father...

, Tyrrell Racing

Tyrrell Racing

The Tyrrell Racing Organisation was an auto racing team and Formula One constructor founded by Ken Tyrrell which started racing in 1958 and started building its own cars in 1970. The team experienced its greatest success in the early 1970s, when it won three drivers' championships and one...

F1 driver in 1990, and Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna da Silva was a Brazilian racing driver. A three-time Formula One world champion, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time...

. The Legend V6Xi was used as the pace car for the Suzuka Circuit

Suzuka Circuit

, Suzuka Circuit for short, is a motorsport race track located in Ino, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan and operated by Mobilityland Corporation, the subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd..-Introduction:...

for 1986.

"Wing Turbo" version

In 1989, Honda upgraded the C20A V6 engine used exclusively in the KA5 series Legend with a variable geometry turbocharger

Variable geometry turbocharger

Variable-geometry turbochargers are a family of turbochargers, usually designed to allow the effective aspect ratio of the turbo to be altered as conditions change. This is done because optimum aspect ratio at low engine speeds is very different from that at high engine speeds...

calling it the "Wing Turbo" Japanese TV commercial to address the modest power available from the previous engine with variable length intake manifold

Variable Length Intake Manifold

In internal combustion engines, a variable length intake manifold , or variable intake manifold is an automobile internal combustion engine manifold technology...

used in earlier models. The turbocharger compressor housing had four vanes made from heat resistant Inconel

Inconel

Inconel is a registered trademark of Special Metals Corporation that refers to a family of austenitic nickel-chromium-based superalloys. Inconel alloys are typically used in high temperature applications. It is often referred to in English as "Inco"...

alloy surrounding the turbine wheel on the air intake side that would fluctuate based on engine load and transmission gearing above 2,000 RPM to allow for increased airflow into the engine as needed. The turbo compressor could generate as much as 450 millimetres of mercury (8.7 psi) of boost, and was paired with a water cooled intercooler

Intercooler

An intercooler , or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric cooling, which removes...

installed inside the intake plenum between the cylinder banks to produce 140 kW net at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 24.6 kgm at 3500 rpm. Honda Legend V6 turbo idling

According to an excerpt originally printed by Automotive Engineering dated January 1989 "The movable wings are positive pressure- and vacuum-operated, their angle changes are controlled by an eight-bit 36-kilo byte computer that also manages fuel injection. Positive pressure to the wing actuator is supplied by the turbo's supercharge pressure, controlled by a frequency solenoid valve, and negative pressure is generated by intake vacuum and accumulated in a reservoir which is also solenoid controlled. The CPU is fed signals including boost pressure, intake temperature, coolant temperature, throttle opening, engine rpm, and vehicle speed. The Wing Turbo is not fitted with a conventional wastegate.

On idling and steady-state cruising that do not require supercharging, the movable flags--or wings--which are fully opened, allow exhaust gas to enter the enlarged nozzle area and pass through the turbine smoothly with little resistance. At the beginning of full acceleration, the wings close fully, reducing the nozzle area through which accelerated gas enters and strikes the turbine blades forcefully, gaining boost quickly. When maximum boost is obtained, the movable wings begin to close gradually, until the vehicle reaches a desired cruising velocity whereby the wings open fully. The nozzle area varies continuously according to operating and load conditions."

The turbo was installed just above the automatic transmission unit; a 5-speed manual transmission was not offered. This engine was only offered in Japan using the shortened sedan bodystyle, labeled as "2.0 Ti Exclusive" and "2.0 Ti". The engine was used for just one year, due to the introduction of the second generation Legend in 1990 with the much larger C32A V6, and as such Wing Turbo sedans are extremely rare. Much of the research on this engine contributed to the VTEC

VTEC

VTEC is a valvetrain system developed by Honda to improve the volumetric efficiency of a four-stroke internal combustion engine. The VTEC system uses two camshaft profiles and electronically selects between the profiles. It was invented by Honda R&D engineer Ikuo Kajitani, and was the first system...

C30A V6 engine used in the 1990 Honda NSX

Honda NSX

The Honda NSX, or Acura NSX, is a sports car that was produced between 1990 and 2005 by the Japanese automaker Honda. It is equipped with a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, powered by an all-aluminium V6 gasoline engine featuring Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control ...

. The Legend Turbo can be identified as sharing the front grille with the all new 1990 Honda Ascot with a "turbo" badge attached to the grille on the bottom right hand side.

North American market

When the Legend was introduced, Honda's newly established luxury car division just for the Legend was called Acura, using the advertising slogan "Precision Crafted Automobiles", and the Acura Legend

Acura Legend

was offered with one factory installed option, the choice of transmission used, and one trim level. In the 1986 sales brochure, the Legend's full name used was "Legend Touring Sedan". The vehicle was virtually identical to the Japanese market V6Zi in terms of luxury equipment offered, but the same size as the V6Xi using the same 2.5 V6 engine and the longer overall length to comply with United States crash standards. The Technics

Technics (brand)

1960s:*SX-601 Electronic Organ — an origin of Technics SX keyboard series, the result of cooperative works of National Electronic Organ Company and Ace Tone...

supplied 80W four speaker cassette tape stereo offered the ability to customize equalizer settings with four memory positions, and was equipped with a dual diversity antenna, meaning it had a conventional power antenna and an embedded antenna in the front window. One of the novelty items was a simple volume control rocker switch and a pre-set radio station channel selector installed on the instrument binnacle within reach of the right hand; the opposite side of the instrument binnacle had a button to open, tilt or close the standard equipped glass moonroof with sun shade. The North American Legend was not offered some of the items offered in Japan, such as automatic, one touch climate control, and 100% wool cloth interior. Blue interior was shared with Japan and North America, but brown was not offered in North America, and "Sand Gray" was offered instead. Exterior colors were matched to only one interior color choice and leather was not offered on either the steering wheel or upholstery, unusual for a luxury car of the time.

European market

The Honda Legend was introduced for the 1987 model year and was virtually identical in equipment offered and vehicle dimensions to the North American model, with one trim designation called the V6-2.5i. This means very few options were available other than the choice of transmission, and an air conditioning system identical to the North American version. The Europeans were offered an optional "Special Equipment Pack" that offered cruise control, aluminium alloy wheels, a driver's seat with power lumbar support, height, fore/aft and reclining adjusters, adjustable rear headrests, a 4 speaker stereo system provided by Philips

Philips

Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. , more commonly known as Philips, is a multinational Dutch electronics company....

and headlight wipers. Front and rear mud flaps were standard in undisclosed countries but not all. The radio volume control rocker switch and preset radio scan button installed on the instrument binnacle was not offered.

Legend coupe and other changes

The Legend Coupe was introduced February 6, 1987, which shared the double wishbone suspension and powertrain setup from the moderately improved sedan for the 1987 model year. Incidentally, the Japanese coupe was both longer and wider, which increased its tax liability, yet it had a shorter wheelbase by 2.2 in (56 mm).

Starting with the introduction of model year 1988, the trim level "Exclusive" was introduced, offering genuine wood trim provided by Tendo Mokko

Tendo Mokko

A Japanese furniture maker in Tendō, Yamagata, Japan.Their speciality is making fine furniture that has won design awards from plywood, with some of their items, such as chairs and tables appearing in museums and commanding high prices at furniture auctions....

on the dashboard and center console with a very large selection of available wood type and hues to choose from, automatic headlights, headlight washer/wipers, separate rear passenger climate control, and chrome-plated power folding mirrors and door handles with infrared remote keyless entry. 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. Due to the success Honda had with the Legend, it served as an inspiration for the Subaru Legacy

Subaru Legacy (first generation)

The first generation Subaru Legacy is a car developed by Fuji Heavy Industries. The Legacy was an all new model, and was considered a notable departure from Subaru products in the past.The worldwide introduction of the Legacy was achieved in 1990...

with which it shares many visual resemblances and dimensions both inside and out.

Engine specifications

Engine	Displacement (cc) / bore×stroke	Horsepower	Torque
C20A V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI	1,996cc / 82.0×63.0	145 PS @6300rpm	172 newton metres (126.9 ft·lbf) @5000rpm
C20A turbo V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI	1,996cc / 82.0×63.0	190 PS @6000rpm	241 newton metres (177.8 ft·lbf) @3500rpm
C25A V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI	2,493cc / 84.0×75.0	165 PS @6000rpm	211 newton metres (155.6 ft·lbf) @4500rpm
C27A V6 SOHC 24 valve PGM-FI	2,675cc / 87.0×75.0	180 PS @6000rpm	226 newton metres (166.7 ft·lbf) @4500rpm

Second generation (KA7/KA8, 1990-1996)

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, and the Type II was rated at 235 PS 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

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 rear end appearance of the sedan was adopted from the first generation Legend coupe, as the first generation sedans appearance was very similar to the first generation Subaru Legacy, and Honda wanted to visually align the appearance of both the Legend coupe and sedan with the Ferrari competitor Honda NSX

Honda NSX

. The customer base served by the slightly smaller first generation Legend was now offered the completely revised CB5 series Honda Vigor and Honda Inspire

Honda Inspire

The Honda Inspire is a luxury sedan introduced by Honda in 1990 and based on the Honda Accord chassis. The first Inspire debuted in 1990 as the Accord Inspire, a sister nameplate to the Honda Vigor, then the Honda Vigor was exported to the USA as an Acura...

sold at different Japanese Honda retail sales locations Honda Clio and Honda Verno.

The Japanese Domestic Market version of the 1990 Legend (2nd generation) was the second vehicle offered with a navigation system

Automotive navigation system

An automotive navigation system is a satellite navigation system designed for use in automobiles. It typically uses a GPS navigation device to acquire position data to locate the user on a road in the unit's map database. Using the road database, the unit can give directions to other locations...

called the Electro Gyrocator

Electro Gyrocator

The Electro Gyrocator was claimed to be the world's first automated commercially available automotive navigation system. It was co-developed by Honda and Alpine. Unlike most navigation systems of today, it did not use GPS Satellites to maintain its position and discern movement of the vehicle...

(first being the 1981 Honda Accord and Vigor), although it was not satellite-based and instead relied on a gas gyroscope. 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

Luxman

Luxman is a brand name of Japanese , a company that produces a variety of audio electronic products. The company produces a variety of high-end hi-fi products, such as turntables, amplifiers, receivers, tape decks, CD players and speakers.-History:...

premium sound system was added to the options list.The prefectural police department of Aomori used "Beta" sedans with the Type II engine for traffic monitoring.

American actor Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford is an American film actor and producer. He is famous for his performances as Han Solo in the original Star Wars trilogy and as the title character of the Indiana Jones film series. Ford is also known for his roles as Rick Deckard in Blade Runner, John Book in Witness and Jack Ryan in...

did commercials in Japan for the Legend.

Daewoo Arcadia

The second-generation Legend was also manufactured by Daewoo

GM Daewoo

GM Korea Company is South Korea's second largest automobile manufacturer and is a division of the General Motors Company. GM Korea's roots go back to the former Daewoo which was split from its parent company, Daewoo Group, in 2001...

in South Korea from 1994 to 1999 under the name of Daewoo Arcadia (:ko:대우 아카디아 ), for the southeast Asian market, replacing the Daewoo Imperial. The word "arcadia" is Greek for utopia

Utopia

Utopia is an ideal community or society possessing a perfect socio-politico-legal system. The word was imported from Greek by Sir Thomas More for his 1516 book Utopia, describing a fictional island in the Atlantic Ocean. The term has been used to describe both intentional communities that attempt...

, and when the Arcadia was sold in South Korea, it was the largest sedan available against its Hyundai Grandeur

Hyundai Grandeur

competitor. Daewoo Motors (GM Korea's predecessor) created by the car and, having been introduced in 1993, sold more than 800 vehicles. In 1992, Japan's Honda and technology partnership with Daewoo, the Arcadia was essentially the base level Legend. At the time of the Arcadia’s introduction, it was the largest engine, with a 220 horsepower V6 3,200 cc engine, and the price was also high 4,190 million won. ABS, dual airbags, safety belt pre-tensioners, and the most advanced car safety features at the time, commensurate with a focus on protecting the passengers. Some of the features included driver's seat position memory function and front heated seats, push-button door opening and closing devices, automatic climate control air conditioning. After the acquisition of Ssangyong

SsangYong Motor Company

SsangYong Motor Company is the fourth largest South Korean automobile manufacturer. The name SsangYong means double dragons.SsangYong was acquired by India's Mahindra & Mahindra Limited in February 2011, after being named the preferred bidder in 2010 to acquire the bankruptcy-protected company...

and Daewoo Motors, Daewoo cars entered with the Daewoo Chairman and remaining stock of Arcadia sedans were price reduced, with the Arcadia ending production in December of that year.

Third generation (KA9, 1996-2004)

The third generation Legend appeared February 14, 1996, continuing the Honda tradition of front wheel drive, and increasing the engine displacement to 3.5 L with the horsepower remaining at 215 PS. The actual Honda internal platform code for this vehicle is E-KA9.
In an attempt by Honda to dispute the call for the Legend to be offered with a V8 to be considered a premium level luxury car, this generation had a wheelbase that compared to the Infiniti Q45 at 2830 mm (111.4 in) with a length at 5056 mm (199.1 in) , and the Lexus LS at 2850 mm (112.2 in) wheelbase and 4996 mm (196.7 in) length. The Legend also had very similar dimensions to the front wheel drive, V8 sedan Mitsubishi Proudia

Mitsubishi Proudia

The Mitsubishi Proudia is a luxury car manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors from late 1999, positioned just below the flagship Mitsubishi Dignity limousine in the company's range...

which was sold only in Japan and was discontinued after three years and only 1227 vehicles produced. The Proudia was 5050 mm (198.8 in) long, 1870 mm (73.6 in) wide, with a wheelbase of 2830 mm (111.4 in).

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 instruments used were simplified from previous versions, but 100% wool moquette upholstery was still offered, along with optional leather. The Luxman

Luxman

premium sound system was still available. The styling was said to more closely resemble Mercedes-Benz and a transponder

Transponder

In telecommunication, the term transponder has the following meanings:...

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-luminescent 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

Australia

Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...

starting with the 1997 model year

Model year

The model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....

.

In the USA market, when the Legend coupe was discontinued, they were offered the Acura CL

Acura CL

The Acura CL is a model of automobile manufactured by Honda's Acura brand from 1996–1999, and from 2001–2003. The CL is often thought to have been a replacement for the Acura Legend coupe, but with the advent of the TL in 1996, which directly replaced the Vigor, the CL is more precisely a TL coupe...

2 door coupe that was based on the American market Honda Accord

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is a series of compact, mid-size and full-size automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, and sold in a majority of automotive markets throughout the world....

coupe so as to continue offering a top level 2 door vehicle.

North American model

In 1996, the replacement for the Acura Legend

Acura Legend

was introduced as the Acura 3.5RL. Known internally as "KA9", officially, RL originally stood for "Road Luxury." Acura dropped the Legend moniker because market research showed that consumers knew Acura products by their model names, "Legend" and "Integra", and did not necessarily associate the names with the manufacturer, Acura. In an effort to associate the model with the manufacturer, Acura changed the model names of its offerings to alpha-numeric designators used by many manufacturers at the time. 3.5RL thus indicated the displacement of the engine and the model designator. Acura also named the rest of its line with such alpha numerics as the 2.5TL and 3.2TL or the 3.2CL. Acura believed that no one would know what a "3.5RL" was, and people would naturally identify their cars as an "Acura 3.5RL", a strategy that seemed to be working so well with archrival Lexus

Lexus

is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. First introduced in 1989 in the United States, Lexus is now sold globally and has become Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars. The Lexus marque is marketed in over 70 countries and territories worldwide, and has...

, which was marketing not an "LS 400" but the "Lexus LS 400". Parenthetically, by the time the Acura 3.5RL was introduced, the top of the Japanese car luxury heap was no longer the Acura line-up but those cars sold by Lexus

Lexus

, and to a lesser extent, Infiniti

Infiniti

is the luxury division of automaker Nissan. Infiniti officially started selling vehicles on November 8, 1989 in North America. Marketing operations have since grown to include the Middle East, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, China, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Infiniti began sales in additional...

.

The very first Acura 3.5RL rolled off the assembly line on January 4, 1996. The 1996 Acura 3.5RL was introduced to lackluster reviews. The automotive world had been expecting a true competitor to the Lexus LS

Lexus LS

to emerge. The 3.5RL fell short and was continuing to drop in sales until it was finally redesigned for the 2005 model year. The main problems holding back the car seemed to be the lack of an option of a V8 powerplant and rear-wheel drive. So in 1996, laying to rest predictions of a VTEC V8 powerplant, the 3.5RL was now powered by a C35 3.5 L V6 engine

V6 engine

A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...

engine, a stroked version derived from the Legend's C32 unit. The engine provided 210 hp (later 225 hp).

Of particular note, in the 3.5RL, was the continuation of longitudinally mounted V6 engine. This meant that the center-line of the V6 was mounted in-line with the car's axis, and not transversely (i.e., 90 degrees offset from the vehicle axis) like most other front-wheel drive cars. This longitudinal placement allowed for a smaller turning radius and easy in-town maneuverability, as well as 56/44 front/rear weight distribution.

In 1999, the 3.5RL received a front and rear facelift that included the addition of newer xenon HID headlamps and integrated foglights along with new bumpers and hood. The suspension and chassis were stiffened, and new alloy wheels were offered. For safety, driver and front passenger side airbags were added. The Acura 3.5RL was back in the fold and sales increased.

In 2000, a larger navigation system screen was added. Along with that larger screen was the conversion to easy-to-replace DVD map databases. In 2002, another subtle change was given to the 3.5RL with painted lower trim and mudflaps along with redesigned alloys and a newer, sportier suspension setup. Perhaps more important was the engine which now was upgraded to produce 225 hp and 231 lbft of torque along with more insulation in the engine compartment as well as the fact that OnStar

OnStar

OnStar Corporation is a subsidiary of General Motors that provides subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security, hands free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics systems throughout the United States, Canada and China. A similar service is known as ChevyStar in Latin...

was added in 2002. The 2003 and 2004 RL's received clear turn signals in the rear lights, another new wheel design, as well as various interior upgrades including new color schemes. For 2004, the navigation system came as standard as well as a redesigned center console and chrome door lock pulls. Absent a major redesign in 8 years, however, the 3.5RL's sales slipped to their lowest levels in the 2004 model year. Acura and dealers both provided generous incentive

Incentive

In economics and sociology, an incentive is any factor that enables or motivates a particular course of action, or counts as a reason for preferring one choice to the alternatives. It is an expectation that encourages people to behave in a certain way...

s on the final models.

The 1996–2004 3.5RL's engine was the last in the Honda and Acura lineup not to use VTEC

VTEC

, Honda's variable valve timing system. This 3.5 L 90 degree V6 engine was internally designated as the C35A, and the last of the Honda C engine

Honda C engine

Honda's first production V6 was the C series; it was produced in displacements from 2.0 liters to 3.5 liters. The C engine was produced in various forms for over 20 years...

V6 engines used in Honda and Acura lineups, being replaced by the newer Honda J engine

Honda J engine

The J-series was Honda's second V6 engine family, introduced in 1996. It is a 60° V6 – Honda's existing C-series was a 90° engine. The J-series was designed for transverse mounting. It has a shorter bore spacing , shorter connecting rods, and a special smaller crankshaft than the C-series for...

60 degree V6 engines. The 2004 RL was also the last Acura to use the numeric designator (i.e., 3.5) for its engine displacement.

Fourth generation (KB1, 2004-current)

The swoopier, shorter 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. Its reduced dimensions over the third generation model seem to suggest a return to what made the Legend so popular with the first generation, being a top level sedan that offered something different from its competitors. The 2011 model marks the 25 year anniversary of Honda Legend production.

In an attempt to address market driven requests that the Legend needed to be a rear drive sedan with a V8 engine, Honda introduced four wheel drive technology on the Legend, called "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive" SH-AWD

SH-AWD

Super Handling-All Wheel Drive or SH-AWD is a full-time, fully automatic all-wheel drive traction and handling system designed and engineered by Honda Motor Company. The system was announced in April 2004, and first introduced in the North American market in the second generation 2005 model year...

, which earned Honda the Japan Car of the Year, and Mosuto 2005 Annual RJC technology of the Year award. The Legend is only available with the four wheel drive powertrain, however, the all wheel drive system is optional on the North American Acura TL (The TL is not sold in Japan). Due to continuous product improvement efforts over past generations, the series CP3 North American Honda Accord (Honda Inspire in some markets) shares wheelbase, length, width and engine displacement almost exactly with this generation Legend, with a reduced price in many international markets. The Legend does have a higher level of standard features and optional equipment but not by much.

Select-Shift was introduced on the 5 speed automatic transmission. The newly designed J35A 3.5 L V6 was changed from a 90 degree "V", in use since the first 1986 C25A V6 engine, to a 60 degree, and added VTEC

VTEC

to improve efficiency (M-TEC was added by the MUGEN division, called the "M1 package"). In a move going back to the many "firsts" introduced by the popular for its time first generation Legend, the horsepower no longer complied with Japanese auto industry self imposed horsepower restrictions, and the engine was the first in Japan installed in a passenger vehicle sold commercially without electronic horsepower restrictions. The engine is capable of 300 PS, despite the fact that the engine was still a V6 and not a larger V8.

Perhaps to accommodate the all wheel drive setup, the engine was reoriented from a longitudnal installation used since 1990, to a transverse installation, which was the original orientation of the first generation model. Honda began to expand the Acura division into Mexico, Hong Kong, and China. Plans to introduce the Acura brand in Japan haven't been formally announced, relying on speculation. This generation Legend shares large sedan duties with the Honda Inspire

Honda Inspire

, known in North America as the Honda Accord

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is a series of compact, mid-size and full-size automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, and sold in a majority of automotive markets throughout the world....

starting with model year 2003 (series UC1) and continuing with the series CP3 sedan. September 15, 2005 saw a mild body restyle, which included a rear backup camera

Backup camera

A backup camera is a special type of video camera that is produced specifically for the purpose of being attached to the rear of a vehicle to aid in backing up. Backup cameras are alternatively known as 'reversing cameras' or 'rear view cameras'....

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

The Legend received a Mid-Model Change (MMC) for the 2009 model year. Among the usual upgrades, the Honda Legend offered some additional optional safety features, including Lane Keeping Assistance System (LKAS)

Lane departure warning system

In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system is a mechanism designed to warn a driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane on freeways and arterial roads. These systems are designed to minimize accidents by addressing the main causes of collisions: driver error,...

. The LKAS could actually make small steering adjustments to keep a car in lane so long as the radius of the turn was more than 220 meters, which was the legal minimum in Japan. The LKAS would relinquish control at the slightest steering input so the driver had control at all times. Intelligent Night Vision with the world's first pedestrian detection feature, and a standard pop-up hood for pedestrian safety.
The night vision system uses a separate heads up

Head-Up Display

A head-up display or heads-up display is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints...

type display projected on the center bottom of the windshield. The infrared cameras do not require a light source, and the software is able to detect human like figures, surround the image with a red box and give audible caution tones. The pop-up hood uses a series of sensors that can detect a pedestrian-like object being thrown onto the hood. An actuator will pop the hood up at the rear, close to the base of the windshield, 10 cm (4 inches) to help minimize pedestrian injuries, especially head trauma. All markets feature energy absorbing hood and fender supports and deformable windshield wiper pivots to minimize pedestrian injury.

In October 2010, it is reported that Brake Defect from Honda Honda Legend were delivered to customers before the problem is discovered. Honda says that it doesn’t know how many of its vehicles have suffered a faulty brake system. The U.S. Honda outfit says it will replace the faulty seal and, if leaking has occurred, the brake booster will be replaced as well. At least some owners in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries are likely affected. Honda told that no stop-sale is issued.

North American Acura Model

A new generation car, known internally as "KB1", was launched in late 2004 for the 2005 model year. Still without the much-rumored V8 engine

V8 engine

A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....

, it features a sophisticated all-wheel drive system Acura calls "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive" (SH-AWD

SH-AWD

). It integrates active differentials with the all-wheel drive system and traction control to improve handling, similar to the "ATTS" system featured on the 1997 Honda Prelude

Honda Prelude

The Honda Prelude was a sports coupe produced by Japanese automaker Honda from 1978 until 2001. It replaced the Honda S800, a front-engined, front wheel drive sports car...

SH. At the time of its introduction, the Acura RL's SH-AWD was unique among all wheel drive systems because not only could it vary traction from front to back, but also side to side in rear using a technique called torque vectoring, becoming the first such system. The RL can direct up to 70% of available torque to the rear wheels, and up to 100% of that available rear torque can be directed to just one wheel. In combination with a specially designed planetary gear set which can over-drive the rear wheels up to 5% greater speed than the front wheels, the torque direction to one wheel, or torque vectoring, can have a steering effect. As the car speeds around a curve, torque vectored to the outside rear wheel will pull the rear end around the curve faster, just as paddling the outside oar of a row boat faster than the inside oar will cause the row boat to turn.

The first-generation RL was powered by a 225 hp (168 kW) 90° C-series

Honda C engine

Honda's first production V6 was the C series; it was produced in displacements from 2.0 liters to 3.5 liters. The C engine was produced in various forms for over 20 years...

V6 non-VTEC

VTEC

engine. The second-generation RL uses a newer design 60° J-series

Honda J engine

3.5 L V6 SOHC VTEC engine delivering 300 hp (224 kW; later revised to 290 hp due to new SAE testing procedures). To give the car a more sporty feel, the car features drive-by-wire throttle control and a five-speed sequential sport shifting automatic transmission

Automatic transmission

An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...

with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. As with the first-generation Acura RL, the second-generation Acura RL uses premium unleaded fuel rated at 91 (R+M)/2 octane.

A first for the RL is the use of aluminum 4-piston front brake calipers over 12.6-inch cast-iron ventilated front rotors. These multi-piston calipers are extremely rigid, and are derived from racing applications. In the rear, 12.2-inch cast-iron ventilated discs attach to their hub with lightweight aluminum collets and are gripped by one-piston aluminum brake calipers. The RL was equipped with a unique five spoke 17-inch alloy wheel with Michelin Pilot HX MXM 4 245/50-R-17 98V all season grand touring tires. These wheels were one inch larger in diameter, and the tires 20 mm wider in section than those found on the first-generation Acura RL.

New features found on the 2005 RL include an keyless entry system

Advanced Key

Smart key is an electronic access and authorization system which is available as an option or standard in several cars. It was first used by Mercedes-Benz in 1998.-How it works:...

which allows the driver to both lock and unlock the car by touching the door handle, without having to use the remote control, and a keyless start system. A new 260 watt, ten speaker Bose DVD-Audio 5.1 sound system equalized for the RL cabin features several Bose technologies. Bose AudioPilot is a noise compensation technology which analyzes background environmental cabin noise, uses an algorithm based on cabin acoustics to boost certain portions of the musical signal so that it may be heard more clearly above environmental sound "clutter" without any apparent change in volume. Bose Centerpoint processes stereo and matrix surround sound recordings to allow play through the 5.1 sound system even though the source may only be a stereo sound track. Bose Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) rounds out the suite. Always on, whether the stereo is on or not, ANC takes input from two microphones placed in the cabin to analyze drivetrain related low end frequencies entering the cabin. The ANC sends information to the sound system to create precisely shaped and timed reverse phased audio signal from the door speakers and the subwoofer. The result is a dramatic reduction of engine and exhaust noise.

XM Satellite Radio

XM Satellite Radio

XM Satellite Radio is one of two satellite radio services in the United States and Canada, operated by Sirius XM Radio. It provides pay-for-service radio, analogous to cable television. Its service includes 73 different music channels, 39 news, sports, talk and entertainment channels, 21 regional...

, integrated Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...

hands-free technology for wireless phone use, voice recognition technology with over 560 voice commands to control navigation system and displays, wireless phone, audio system, heating and ventilation controls round out the cabin's technological features. Heating and air conditioning systems were also tied into a solar sensor and GPS positioning so that cabin temperature would stay constant in a mixed sun and shade situation. Based on sun position and cabin orientation, additional cooling air would be automatically added to the sunny side of the car to keep that occupant comfortable while not freezing out the occupant on the shady side.

The Alpine Electronics

Alpine Electronics

is traditionally known as an aftermarket car audio and navigation systems manufacturer, famed for their high quality, premium in-car audio units commonly known as headunits. It is a subsidiary of Alps Electric Co. and its registered head office is in Tokyo, Japan. However its main offices, or the...

DVD-based navigation system is integrated with an 8 inch LCD display and a multi use Interface Dial, which can act like a mouse moving up down left right, like a knob, scrolling through preset menus, and a selector by clicking. Unlike many in-car navigation systems, the Alpine DVD based navigation unit allows the driver to change destinations and routes "on the fly" while driving, rather than being locked out unless the car is park. The deeply integrated voice recognition system works with the navigation system and can also recognize city and street names. Also unique at the time was two way communication via AcuraLink satellite communication. Using a facility of XM Radio service, the system can send a variety of messages to the car including service appointment reminders (appointments first made via Internet) or important messages such as recall notices. The use of OnStar

OnStar

is carried over from the previous generation RL. Use of digital/analog trimode (two digital bands and one analog band) technology allows the 2005 RL OnStar technology to survive the planned 2007 phase out of the analog OnStar to all digital OnStar service in 2007.

Other new features include the Active Front Lighting System, in which the high intensity discharge headlamps swivel with the steering up to twenty degrees, offering improved night cornering vision. Light emitting diodes (LED

LEd

LEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....

) replace traditional incandescent lighting is used for many rear tail and brake as well as in the side mirror housing integrated turn signals, and many interior cabin lights.
The 2005 RL was also the first Honda vehicle to use the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which is now proliferating throughout every newly-introduced Honda and Acura vehicle design. The ACE structure features extensive use of high-tensile steel and lightweight aluminum components in a front-mounted polygonal main frame, designed engage vehicles of differing size and weight in a frontal collision and spread the forces through multiple structural pathways, while preventing or minimizing cabin deformation. In practical terms, this means in an SUV versus ACE structure car collision, there is a greater chance that the ACE body structure will engage with the SUV's frame and dissipate collision forces around the passenger compartment. In more conventional non-ACE car structures, the SUV frame has a much greater chance of missing or over-riding the conventional car's major structural components and a greater chance of deforming the passenger compartment.

The 2005 RL car structure features extensive use of somewhat "exotic" materials for a car at this price point including aluminum alloy hood, front fenders, trunk lid and frame, front and rear subframes, suspension arms, front knuckles and bumper beams. Magnesium is used in the intake manifold, and the two-piece center drive shaft is made of a carbon reinforced composite. The new RL features extensive aerodynamic design treatment including details such an industry first flush side glass, as well underbody covers and diffusers to reduce lift, resulting in a very low drag coefficient

Drag coefficient

In fluid dynamics, the drag coefficient is a dimensionless quantity that is used to quantify the drag or resistance of an object in a fluid environment such as air or water. It is used in the drag equation, where a lower drag coefficient indicates the object will have less aerodynamic or...

of 0.29.

2005 RL Exterior Colors	2005 RL Interior Colors
Premium White Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Opulent Blue Pearl	Ebony, Taupe
Redondo Red Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Meteor Silver Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Nighthawk Black Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Lakeshore Silver Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Celestial Silver Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Desert Mist Metallic	Parchment, Ebony
2005 RL Retail Price	US $49,100

For 2006, the Acura RL was also offered in a second trim level, the optional 'Technology Package' which included three new features adaptive cruise control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System

Precrash system

A precrash system is an automobile safety system designed to reduce the severity of an accident. Also known as forward collision warning systems they use radar and sometimes laser sensors to detect an imminent crash...

, and Michelin PAX System run-flat tires on unique PAX 235 mm x 460 mm A ("A" for asymmetric) aluminum alloy wheels with unique 245-680R460A Michelin Pilot HX MXM 4 all season grand touring type radials designed for the Michelin PAX System. The metric sized, run flat Michelin PAX System wheels and tires are equivalent to 18" x 9" wheels and 245/45-R18 conventional tires. The previously standard color-matched mud guards were deleted in 2006. All 2006 models had a slight change to the navigation system that also allowed the installation of an optional rearview camera

Backup camera

. MSRP increased by just $200 for the equivalent 2005 model.

2006 RL Exterior Colors	2006 RL Interior Colors
Premium White Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Opulent Blue Pearl	Ebony, Taupe
Redondo Red Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Carbon Gray Pearl	Ebony, Taupe
Meteor Silver Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Nighthawk Black Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Lakeshore Silver Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Celestial Silver Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Desert Mist Metallic	Parchment, Ebony
2006 RL Base Package	US$ 49,300
2006 RL Technology Package (ACC/CMBS/PAX)	US$ 53,100

For 2007, the Acura RL was offered in three trim levels, detailed in the table below, including a "standard" or "base" package, a newly defined "Technology Package" and the highest level trim, the "Technology Package with CMBS/PAX".

Base Model cars were well equipped, but deleted certain features such as the Navigation System, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), and substituted plastic for wood trim.

Technology Package cars were essentially the same as the 2005 and 2006 standard models, coming with Navigation, AFS, while also adding as standard equipment, a rear backup camera and a 3.5mm stereo input jack for Apple iPod and other mp3 type devices.

Technology Package plus CMBS/PAX had no 2005 equivalent, and was most similar to the 2006 Technology Package, because it included ACC/CMBS and PAX technologies. While the label "CMBS/PAX" might appear to indicate ACC was dropped as a feature, in reality, ACC an extension of the CMBS system, and so was included.

As noted above mp3 audio player feature (really any device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack) was added to all trim levels. An integrated rearview camera was added to the top two trim levels. An integrated rearview camera could be added to the non-navigation Base model as a dealer installed option. The Base model optional rearview camera installed in the same manner and position as on the 2006 models, being mounted dead center of the trunk trim, and having a new trunk release button installed to the right of center (passenger side). The difference is subtle, but the factory rearview camera installation on the Technology Package and the Technology Package with CMBS/PAX is to left of center (driver side) of the trunk release.

In 2005 and 2006, all models came standard with "genuine curly maple wood dashboard trim". With the introduction of three trim levels, the genuine curly maple wood dashboard trim now only appeared on the two higher level cars, Technology Package with CMBS/PAX. OnStar was deleted as a feature from all trim levels. Colors were added and deleted. MSRP increased by just $100 from the roughly equivalent 2006 trims.

2007 RL Exterior Colors	2007 RL Interior Colors
Premium White Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Opulent Blue Pearl	Ebony, Taupe
Redondo Red Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Carbon Gray Pearl	Ebony, Taupe
Platinum Frost Metallic replaces Celestial Silver and Meteor Silver	Ebony, Taupe
Nighthawk Black Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Lakeshore Silver Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Desert Mist Metallic	Parchment, Ebony
2007 RL Base Package	US$ 45,780
2007 RL Technology Package	US$ 49,400
2007 RL Technology + ACC/CMBS/PAX	US$ 53,200

2007 RL	2007 RL with Technology Package (in addition to the base package)	2007 RL with Technology and ACC/CMBS/PAX Packages (in addition to the Technology Package)
290 hp	Acura Navigation System Automotive navigation system An automotive navigation system is a satellite navigation system designed for use in automobiles. It typically uses a GPS navigation device to acquire position data to locate the user on a road in the unit's map database. Using the road database, the unit can give directions to other locations... with Voice Recognition	Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) Precrash system A precrash system is an automobile safety system designed to reduce the severity of an accident. Also known as forward collision warning systems they use radar and sometimes laser sensors to detect an imminent crash...
3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC VTEC VTEC VTEC is a valvetrain system developed by Honda to improve the volumetric efficiency of a four-stroke internal combustion engine. The VTEC system uses two camshaft profiles and electronically selects between the profiles. It was invented by Honda R&D engineer Ikuo Kajitani, and was the first system... V-6 aluminum-alloy engine	Rearview camera Backup camera A backup camera is a special type of video camera that is produced specifically for the purpose of being attached to the rear of a vehicle to aid in backing up. Backup cameras are alternatively known as 'reversing cameras' or 'rear view cameras'....	Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)	AcuraLink satellite communication system with real-time traffic	Michelin PAX Run-Flat Technology
Acura/Bose 10-speaker Surround Sound System	GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system
XM Satellite Radio XM Satellite Radio XM Satellite Radio is one of two satellite radio services in the United States and Canada, operated by Sirius XM Radio. It provides pay-for-service radio, analogous to cable television. Its service includes 73 different music channels, 39 news, sports, talk and entertainment channels, 21 regional...	Active Front Lighting System (AFS)
Keyless Access System Advanced Key Smart key is an electronic access and authorization system which is available as an option or standard in several cars. It was first used by Mercedes-Benz in 1998.-How it works:...	Genuine curlywood maple interior trim

The 2008 Acura RL continues unchanged in the US market from the 2007 model. Colors were added and deleted. MSRP increases $500 in each trim:

2008 RL Exterior Colors	2008 RL Interior Colors
Premium White Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Opulent Blue Pearl	Taupe, (Ebony is dropped)
Redondo Red Pearl	Parchment, (Ebony is dropped)
Carbon Gray Pearl	Ebony, Taupe
Platinum Frost Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Nighthawk Black Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Lakeshore Silver Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Desert Mist Metallic	Parchment, (Ebony is dropped)
2008 RL Base Package	US$ 46,280
2008 RL Technology Package	US$ 49,900
2008 RL Technology + ACC/CMBS/PAX	US$ 53,700

In Canada, the 2008 Acura RL is available with two different models, Base and Elite Package. The Elite Package adds Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Active Front Lighting System (AFS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), heated and cooled ventilated front seats and burled maple wood trim.

2005-2008 A-Spec Performance Package

For the 2005-2008 models, Acura offered an A-Spec package for the RL. The package consisted of two performance upgrades, which were dealer installed, and several appearance package upgrades. The package was first announced at a late 2004 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas. It should be noted that the A-Spec package for sale was distinctly different from the Acura RL A-Spec Concept Vehicle announced and shown as a striking dark red one-of-a-kind custom creation in early 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show.

The performance upgrades came in the form of A-Spec sport suspension upgrade, and A-Spec 18 inch alloy wheels, which allowed the use of more sporty lower profile tires.

The A-Spec sport suspension changed out the four springs and dampers (shocks) assemblies. The A-Spec suspension featured lowering springs (approximately 0.75 inch)and revalved dampers. The ride stiffness increased, but not overly so, and handling improved with less body roll, more controlled cornering and enhanced feel. Reportedly the suspension stiffness was not to same level as the much stiffer A-Spec sport suspension upgrade in the Acura TL, in keeping with the two different missions of the cars, luxury for the RL, luxury sport for the TL. Acura RL A-Spec suspension geometry remained the same as the stock Acura RL suspension alignment specifications.

The other performance upgrade was the A-Spec 18x8 inch alloy wheels, a 10 spoke lighter weight design (about the same weight as the 5 spoke 17x8 inch OEM wheels). Recommended tires were either 245/45-18 sized Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ultra high performance summer tires or Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ultra high performance all-season tires. Alternatively, less sport oriented, Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 Grand Touring All Season tires were also available in the same size. Typical of Acura optional wheels, the 55 mm offset of the stock 17x8 inch wheels was maintained so that suspension geometry could remain untouched.

The A-Spec appearance package consisted of a front air dam, side skirts, rear bumper air diffuser and a subtle trunk decklid lip style spoiler, all designed to give the car a more aggressive "aero" look. The parts came pre-painted from the factory to match factory colors. All parts were dealer installable.

Interestingly, if the dealer installed the A-Spec parts at the time of purchase, the original new car warranty of four years/50,000 miles would apply. If installed after purchase, the normal one year/12,000 mile parts warranty would apply.

A-Spec options were not offered for the 2009 mid model change. There is a widely held belief that the A-Spec suspension should have been the standard suspension on the Acura RL, and that the stock suspension was too soft, and hampered the very capable chassis and drivetrain. Interestingly the 2009 mid model change incorporated a revised stiffer suspension and 18x8 inch wheels as standard, equipped with lower profile 245/45-18 size tires. More aggressive "aero" look body work was also incorporated as standard, but a revised trunk decklid spoiler was made available as a dealer installed option.

2009 Mid Model Change (KB2)

For the 2009 model year, the RL received an extensive mid-model change

Facelift (automobile)

The automotive facelift comprises changes to a car's styling during its production run — often including new sheetmetal and/or interior design) with minimal changes to its underlying mechanicals — allowing a carmaker to freshen a model without complete redesign.A facelift retains the...

(MMC), and made its introduction at the Chicago Auto Show

Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicago's McCormick Placeconvention complex. It is among the largest auto shows in North America....

on February 6, 2008, billed as "the most extensive Acura MMC ever". The new sedan was designated KB2 in the VIN codes, differentiating it from the 2005–2008 KB1 chassis VIN code. The revised sedan was released on July 1, 2008 to dealerships. The engine is upgraded to 3.7L with 300 hp. While on paper, the engine may seem to be the same unit as shared with the Acura MDX

Acura MDX

The Acura MDX, or Honda MDX as known in Japan and Australia , is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura since the 2001 model year. The MDX was the first crossover SUV to have third-row seating. It is related to the Honda Pilot. The alphanumeric moniker stands for...

, it is actually a variant that introduces for the first time ever on a SOHC Honda V6, an implementation of the Honda VTEC

VTEC

variable valve train technology on the exhaust side for improved horsepower and torque. Heretofore, all previous SOHC Honda V6 with VTEC used the technology on the intake side only. The engine emissions has been improved to meet the stricter U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

United States Environmental Protection Agency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...

(EPA) TIER 2 – BIN 5 and California Air Resources Board

California Air Resources Board

The California Air Resources Board, also known as CARB or ARB, is the "clean air agency" in the government of California. Established in 1967 in the Mulford-Carrell Act, combining the Bureau of Air Sanitation and the Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board, CARB is a department within the...

ULEV-2 standards. Implementation of the SH-AWD was adjusted for earlier intervention and a greater rear wheel bias for better handling dynamics.

The MMC RL suspension was upgraded with higher rate coil springs, larger diameter anti-sway bars and stiffer bushings all around. The MMC RL sports a new larger front anti-sway bar of hollow construction, 30 mm diameter overall with a 6.5 mm wall thickness and a larger rear solid anti-sway bar, 19 mm diameter solid. The pre-MMC models sported a solid 29 mm front and 17 mm rear sway bar.

Standard 18" x 8" seven spoke alloy wheels with 245/45-18 tires replace the previous years' 17" x 8" five spoke offerings for not only the base and tech package models, but also for the highest trim ACC/CMBS equipped model. Previous years' ACC/CMBS equipped models were equipped with [Michelin PAX System] run flat tires on 18 inch equivalent (460 mm diameter) five spoke wheels. Unlike the previous years (2005–2008), there is no A-Spec offering, which included a body kit, suspension, wheels and badging.

Changes to the interior include more comfortable front seats and slightly increased rear leg room. The passenger front seat now has the same full 10-way power control as the driver's seat and both front seats feature active head restraint systems and six levels of cooling ventilation, as well as heated surfaces. Controls for heating and air-conditioning have been simplified and additional individual vent control is available to driver and passenger. The shift gear no longer has a gated sequence, but goes straight down to match the new ones used for the current Acura TSX

Acura TSX

-Overview:Named as Touring Sportscar eXperimental. The 2004 model year TSX's powertrain consisted of a 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission , and a front wheel drive layout. A five-speed automatic transmission was a no-cost option in the U.S...

and Acura TL

Acura TL

The TL "Touring Luxury" debuted as 1996 model, first with the 1996 2.5 TL available with the 2.5 L 176 hp SOHC 20-valve 5-cylinder engine from the Vigor. The 3.2 TL used the 3.2 L 200 hp SOHC 24v V6 from the second generation Acura Legend. The 2.5 TL was positioned as the...

. The steering wheel and shift gear top are now trimmed with wood to emphasize the RL's upscale luxury feel over its other two sedan siblings.

Additional insulation, improved acoustic isolation windshield design, and a new implementation of the active noise cancellation system (ANC) combine to make the car's interior more quiet over a variety of different conditions. Whereas the pre-MMC models ANC was set to cancel out low frequency boominess from the engine and exhaust, the MMC system, called Active Sound Control, has been extended in range to cancel some higher frequency road and tire noise as well. Unlike its predecessor ANC, Active Sound Control is now linked to throttle position and engine rpm to provide a more quiet cockpit during normal cruising, but will allow more of the new "3.7L's muscular sound" to be heard during higher rpm, higher speed excursions.

An additional microphone as well as some switchable directionality has been added to the HFL (Hands Free Link) and Voice Activated Navigation and Convenience controls. The new microphone system provides more accurate system "understanding" of the driver voice only when the systems are in command mode. Extraneous sounds, such as other voices in the cabin and wind noise are better distinguished and filtered out by the dual microphone system. Directionality is removed when an HFL voice call is established so that all passengers may participate in the phone call as in the pre-MMC model. The new dual microphone system uses real estate that was previously used in the 2005 and 2006 models for OnStar control electronics. Voice recognition commands have been increased to over 700, up from 560 previously.

The DVD based navigation system improves on previous XM satellite linked traffic flow reporting to include rerouting based on current traffic conditions and new continuously updated real time weather reporting. The DVD Audio capable 10 speaker sound system remains, but integration with the audio system is improved with the addition of Bluetooth stereo and a USB port that allows integration and operation of Apple iPod and other MP3

MP3

MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...

type devices. Also new is the ability to display iPod or other MP3 device (such as a USB flash memory device) folder and playlist information on the car's 8-inch central navigation display screen.

New shifter and center console arrangements have been added including a Sport mode. The steering wheel paddle shifters have been reprogrammed for faster response, and the paddle shifters can now be operated in both Drive and Sport Mode. In pre-MMC models, the gear selector had to be put in manual mode for the paddle shifters to operate.

The 2009 RL is slightly longer in its exterior dimensions by 2.2 inches (55.9 mm). The height is up a scant 0.1 inches (2.5 mm), while the width, track and wheelbase remain the same,. The front end including the hood and the rear, including the trunkline have been revised along with redesigned headlights and taillights. One of the most controversial features of the 2009 RL may be its "Power Plenum" grill design, the first of three similar designs that have been recently revealed in the new-second generation 2009 Acura TSX

Acura TSX

, and the fourth-generation 2009 Acura TL

Acura TL

.

Curb weights have increased. The MMC Base weighs in at 4083 lbs, the Technology Package weighs in at 4085 lbs, and the ACC/CMBS with no PAX now weighs in at 4110. The equivalent 2006 pre-MMC Technology Package weighed in at 4012 lbs, and the pre-MMC with ACC/CMBS/PAX weighed in at 4074 lbs.

The 2009 Acura RL continues to offer three trim levels in the US market. MSRP increases by $500 over the 2008 model for each trim. For 2009, the Michelin PAX Run Flat Tire system is no longer offered in combination with the CMBS/ACC package. ACC is now featured alongside CMBS as part of the package name, after a two year hiatus. In reality, ACC was always included as a part of the CMBS. Colors were added and deleted.

2009 RL Exterior Colors	2009 RL Interior Colors
Alberta White Pearl replaces Premium White Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Crystal Black Pearl replaces Nighthawk Black Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Opulent Blue Pearl	Ebony, Taupe
Redondo Red Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Grigio Metallic replaces Carbon Gray Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Platinum Frost Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Silver Jade Metallic replaces Lakeshore Silver Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Tuscan Beige Metallic replaces Desert Mist Metallic	Parchment
2009 RL Base Package	US$ 46,680
2009 RL Technology Package	US$ 50,300
2009 RL Technology + ACC/CMBS	US$ 54,100

The 2010 Acura RL continues with few changes, in the US market from the 2009 model, as indicated on the current Acura.com website for the RL. Colors were added and deleted. MSRP increases $150 in each trim:

2010 RL Exterior Colors	2010 RL Interior Colors
Alberta White Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Crystal Black Pearl	Parchment, Ebony
Opulent Blue Pearl	Taupe, (Ebony is dropped)
Redondo Red Pearl is dropped
Grigio Metallic	Parchment, Ebony
Platinum Frost Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Silver Jade Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Tuscan Beige Metallic is dropped
2010 RL Base Package	US$ 46,830
2010 RL Technology Package	US$ 50,450
2010 RL Technology + ACC/CMBS	US$ 54,250

2011 updates

The 2011 Acura RL appears to be set for production with some additional features, according to the Summer 2010 Acura Style magazine, a limited distribution publication for Acura owners, and later confirmed by the popular Honda and Acura product website "Temple of VTEC". New features and color combinations are reported by Temple of VTEC to be: Six-speed automatic transmission, power folding mirrors, rear backup/parking sensors.

The six-speed automatic transmission, which was first introduced on the 2010 Acura ZDX, is a genuinely new feature. Power folding mirrors have been available, in other than the North American market, since the 2004 introduction in Japan. Parking/backup sensors have been available in the North American market as a dealer installed option since the second generation Acura RL introduction in late 2004. A host of other features have also been available since the car's introduction in 2004, some of which are detailed in the Safety section below.

A new technology is also introduced, a noise reducing wheel mechanism. The 2011 RL is fitted with Helmholtz resonators

Helmholtz resonance

Helmholtz resonance is the phenomenon of air resonance in a cavity, such as when one blows across the top of an empty bottle. The name comes from a device created in the 1850s by Hermann von Helmholtz, the "Helmholtz resonator", which he, the author of the classic study of acoustic science, used to...

in the wheels (a "world's first" for a passenger vehicle). These chambers sit in the center portion of the inside of the wheel and help diminish road noise, which results in a quieter cabin. This appears to be a conventional alloy wheel modified to incorporate an internal noise reduction device. A diagram shows an elastomer type ring with multiple hollow chambers surrounding the center line of the wheel circumference. This device is supposed to dampen noise generated by rough road surfaces such as highway seams, making the cabin a more silent. The device has been coined as "Noise reducing", a noise reduction system for the wheel mechanism which works by resonance absorption.

2011(?) RL Exterior Colors	2011(?) RL Interior Colors
Alberta White Pearl	Ebony, Seacoast (Seacoast is added; Parchment is dropped)
Crystal Black Pearl	Ebony, Taupe (Taupe is added, Parchment is dropped)
Graphite Luster Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Forged Silver Metallic	Ebony, Taupe
Pomegranate Pearl	Seacoast
Opulent Blue Pearl is dropped
Grigio Metallic is dropped
Platinum Frost Metallic is dropped
Silver Jade Metallic is dropped
2011 RL Base Package	US$ TBD
2011 RL Technology Package	US$ TBD
2011 RL Technology + ACC/CMBS	US$ TBD

Unconfirmed by Temple of VTEC, but discussed in the Acura Style magazine as additional 2011 revisions are a "next-generation grill design", "dramatic 18-inch wheels", "revised lower rear bumper detailing" and a "newly available Light Orchid Interior". It would appear, based on a 2011 RL color chart received by Temple of VTEC, that the "Light Orchid" interior color has been renamed to "Seacoast".

Future

The future of the Acura RL is uncertain,(dealers have been promised an "amazing flagship" without intricate details, and a prospective RWD V8 model was scrapped in 2008) although it is possible that it could become an Acura only model like the MDX

MDX

MDX may refer to:In computing:*Media Data Extended, a file type developed and utilized by Daemon tools for making disc image files*.MDX, a 3D model format used by Blizzard Entertainment in games like Warcraft 3 and Frozen Throne...

which would allow more freedom in the development process;the international Legend variant will cease production in late 2012 and production will either move to the Marysville R&D plant or the Suzuka

Suzuka

Suzuka may refer to:*Suzuka , a Japanese media franchise*Suzuka, Mie, a city in Mie Prefecture, Japan**Suzuka Circuit, a race track***1000km Suzuka, a sports car race***Suzuka 8 Hours, a motorcycle race***Suzuka 8 Hours...

R&D plant. One of these such freedoms is the addition of a hybrid drivetrain. It has been common knowledge that Honda

Honda

is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...

is working on a hybrid system optimal for V6 applications, albeit tuned for performance in Acura models in the same vein as the Lexus LS600h and the Infiniti M35h. The official specs are not yet available, but according to Autoblog the power plant will consist of a 3.3l V6 from Honda's next generation V6 series producing 350 horsepower and 280 lb ft. of torque, in north/south placement like the first RL, with DOHC i-VTEC, direct injection and a 12:9 compression ratio. It is coupled to two electric motors at each rear wheel in a KERS-style fashion which produce 75 hp and 85 lb ft. of torque each with torque vectoring for the rear axles in conjunction with an ATTS torque vectoring differential in the front making an approximate 35/65 front-to-rear torque split, creating a combined 500 hp and 450 lb. ft. of torque all placed on a new aluminum space frame platform codenamed SLF(Smart Luxury Floorplan).This would not only beat the V8's rumored 420 horsepower but could even rival outputs given by the V12 760i and S600; the suspension will consist of double wishbones up front and a complex Z-link at the rear with air springs at all fours. Power could go through a 6 speed dual clutch automatic developed for this system and will incorporate Acura's trademark SH-AWD

SH-AWD

with further rearward bias thanks to the electric motors. It could launch anywhere from fall 2011 to fall 2012, and the powertrain will also be used for the 2013 NSX. Its final appearance however is a mystery as there are no spy shots; an anonymous Honda source says it will be a couple inches shorter than an Audi A8

Audi A8

The Audi A8 is a four-door, full-size, luxury sedan car manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi since 1994. Succeeding the Audi V8, the A8 has been offered with front wheel drive or permanent four-wheel drive, with multitronic or tiptronic automatic transmissions — and in short- and...

and will be a "four door coupe" like the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is an executive-size sedan originally launched in 2004 and based on the W211 E-Class platform and was internally designated as the C219...

. Pricing is likely to start around the $60-65,000 bracket.

On 10/22/11 Japanese auto tabloid Holiday Auto reported some new info on the hybrid drive system. There will be four different driving modes avalible, changeable from a center console knob: Smart(represented by Honda's "ECON" logo on cars such as the Civic

Civic

Civic can refer to multiple things:*Civics, the science of comparative government*Civic, Christchurch, a Category II heritage building in the Christchurch Central City*Civic engagement, the connection one feels with their larger community...

), Touring, GT, and Polar. The "Smart" mode will use the electric motors on the rear axle to drive the car for up to 50 miles in EV mode, using the RL's GPS to determine how much power should be used,varying from 95 horsepower to 150 horsepower; in GT mode the electric motor and V6 use all 500 horses with improved throttle mapping and gear shift speeds and the suspension stiffens. These driving modes will also be avalible on gas-powered RLs although will only change throttle and steering response.

Reception

The second-generation 2005 Acura RL appeared on Car and Driver

Car and Driver

Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...

s Ten Best list

Car and Driver Ten Best

Car and Driver magazine annually nominates a list of what it considers the Ten Best cars and Five Best trucks.All production vehicles for sale in that calendar year are considered with these restrictions:# The vehicle must be on sale by January...

for 2005. The car also garnered an CNET

CNET

CNET is a tech media website that publishes news articles, blogs, and podcasts on technology and consumer electronics. Originally founded in 1994 by Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie, it was the flagship brand of CNET Networks and became a brand of CBS Interactive through CNET Networks' acquisition...

.com "Editor's Choice" Award for Top Tech Car.

The SH-AWD all-wheel drive system was lauded by Popular Science as one of the best automotive innovations of 2004, and earned the 2005 "Tech Car of the Year" from CNET.com. Subsequent moves by both Audi and BMW to design and market their own versions of torque vectoring all wheel drive systems bear out the innovative nature of the SH-AWD design.

While critically acclaimed, sales have not met expectations. Regarding sales of Japanese luxury flagships during the first six months of 2010, Acura has sold only 872 RLs, compared to 5,650 Lexus LS

Lexus LS

and 6,602 Infiniti M

Infiniti M

The "M" nameplate has been used on various mid-luxury cars from the Infiniti luxury division of Nissan.The first iteration was the M30 Coupe/Convertible, which were rebadged JDM Nissan Leopard....

sedans. Enthusiasts and dealers said that the RL was not competitive because it is smaller, uses front-wheel drive, and lacks a V8 option, compared to its larger rivals in the mid-luxury segment that are rear-wheel drive and have a V8 available.

Some have suggested that the initial price of the RL is perceived to be out of its bracket. As the new RL offered more features and performance than the base version of its luxury competition's (i.e., the base six-cylinder BMW 5 Series), Honda Japan suggested that it could charge more, though Honda Canada disagreed. The RL's initial MRSP was $69,500 CAD, more than the six-cylinder BMW 525i and close to that of the V8-powered BMW 545i. At the RL's price point, most consumers expected a V8, furthermore they did not perceive Acura as being on par with its German rivals and expected more value from the Japanese marque. The damage from Honda Japan's alleged hubris was done, perhaps giving the RL an unfavorable impression that could not be removed, even though Honda Canada has since reduced the RL's price. In 2009, the new generation of the Acura TL

Acura TL

was released and it is expected to offer tough competition to the RL, as the TL has essentially the same engine, the SH-AWD system, and many of the RL's features for only $44,900 CAD.

In October 2010, the Acura RL has been named as one of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is an American magazine published monthly by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. It also publishes cleaning and general buying guides...

most reliable cars, one of among 5 Honda models (Acura TL with front-wheel drive; Acura RL luxury car; Honda CR-V small SUV; Acura RDX small upscale SUV, and Honda Ridgeline compact pickup truck) named as most reliable in various categories.

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