Press Release
Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Performance
Page 3: Sophistication
Page 4: Safety
Page 5: Specifications
Sophistication
Luxurious materials surround innovative technology
While the Legend’s chassis dynamics and transmission technology help the car negotiate twisting B-roads at speed, inside the cabin remains a haven of serenity thanks to supreme levels of comfort and a host of advanced technology.
Central to the interior design is the wrap-around style dashboard, with all key instruments and gauges placed within the driver’s immediate view. Stretching across the dash is a wood-effect panel to enhance the overall appearance, while in the centre sits the smart three-zone console, housing controls for adjusting climate, audio and satellite navigation.
The advanced climate control system is both vertically and horizontally independent for precise temperature control. It’s also sensitive to sunlight, using optical sensors to determine the sun’s position, and auto adjusting the interior climate accordingly.
The Legend’s state-of-the-art audio equipment features a 10-speaker system developed by BOSE, which delivers extraordinary surround sound resolution to all seating positions.
It also features cutting-edge AudioPilot technology, or ‘in-cabin noise suppression’, which ‘cancels’ road, wind and other intrusive noise by sending out an opposite phase signal through the speaker system. This clearly helps to create a more relaxed, calming atmosphere behind the wheel with significantly reduced ‘boom’. It’s similar technology to that used in RAF fighter jets to cancel out exterior and engine noise.
Also fitted as standard is the voice activated satellite navigation system, installed with over 500 voice commands, an 8-inch display, comprehensive destination guide and 3D graphics. Flick the steering-wheel mounted switch and issue a command or destination and the Sat Nav will calculate the quickest route. Want to find a restaurant in the local area? Ask the system and it will give you a list of options, before showing you the best way to your choice.
The 8-inch Navi screen is also used in conjunction with a reversing camera, mounted under the numberplate surround. This automatically activates when the car is shifted into reverse gear.
Directly behind the steering wheel are the usual instrument panels showing speed, revs and warning lamps. In addition, there’s a multi-function screen that shows fuel economy, range, lapsed time, average speed and a monitor for the rear seatbelts. The dash display also features a useful torque indicator graphic that monitors torque distribution from front to back and across the rear wheels. Mild warning: observing torque travel to all four wheels is seriously addictive!
As well as the host of technological features, the interior of the Legend offers sumptuous comfort levels, with only the highest grade materials employed to create trim and finish.
The 8-way electrically-adjusted seats are covered with high-quality, hand-stitched, soft-touch leather. Both driver and passenger seats are heated as standard.
All three rear seats are fitted with head restraints, which for rearward visibility can be lowered automatically by the driver using a button within the centre console.
A rear sunblind is also available at the flick of a switch, and there are manual side blinds at the rear. Each blind provides shelter from sunlight and heat penetration, but still allows good visibility.
Style
A sleek and elegant body over a rigid frame
It may be technically superior in its category, but to really compete with the big boys, the Legend had to look good.
Fortunately, Honda’s body stylists have delivered. The car combines sensual, flowing lines with sharp-edged aggression over a short, wide chassis that helps optimise road holding and handling.
The styling features a steeply-sloping bonnet, with a bold, raised section leading down to the front bumper and its distinctive lower air intake openings. The headlights are of a large, angular design with the Honda signature five-sided grille in a chrome finish slotted between them.
A sleek cockpit, a rising beltline and a short rear deck accentuate the Legend’s dynamic, wedge-like shape to reflect the high-speed, sporting ability of the car.
But as well as looking the part, the designers concentrated on making the Legend body as smooth and aerodynamic as possible. Glass in the side windows is ‘3D’, in that it fits flush with the outer trim, including the B-pillar. The body also sports a boot-lip spoiler and a variety of under-floor covers that improve air-flow around the car.
Under the surface, the body structure of the Legend also plays a role in the overall performance of the car. Firstly, weight was of primary concern – to maximise the power-to-weight ratio. Therefore the choice of materials had to be lightweight, but also high-rigidity to ensure the chassis remained stiff. As a result, the larger body members are made from high-tensile steel, while the bumper beams, subframes, bonnet and boot are all aluminium parts to save vital kilograms.
Despite the low weight of the entire body, it’s 33 per cent stiffer than the previous Legend. This combination of light weight and torsional rigidity contributes to the superior handling and agility of the car.
Meanwhile, the Legend’s outer skin is as special as the interior – a new ultra high-gloss paint is used on the body to produce a premium finish. This is achieved by water polishing the intermediate coats before applying the thicker clear coats to create a deep, layered effect.
