Autobitz: Honda Legend

Honda Legend

At the 2008 Moscow motor show, Honda has revealed the look of the re-styled Honda Legend to Europe. This revised model gives a new edge to the top of the range Honda and responds to customer feedback on the current model. The most noticeable change is to the exterior style of the Honda Legend, with new lights, bonnet, front wings, boot lid, bumpers and the adoption of standard 18" wheels.

Under the restyled bonnet is one of the most powerful V6 engines in this sector, giving the power of a V8 engine, while retaining the smoothness and fuel economy inherent to this layout.

The new engine has an additional 200cc that helps to give the new Honda Legend greater torque across the whole rev range. Complementing this increase in capacity the 3.7 litre V6 has VTEC added to the exhaust valves, joining the system already fitted on the inlet side. These realised a 20% increase in torque in the mid-range. The result is an enhancement to the feeling of power, as well as the improved acceleration.

Coupled to this revised engine, is an all-new 5-speed gearbox that helps the driver exploit and enjoy the revised power unit. The new box has switched to a straight gate and empowers the driver with additional control over gear selection with revised steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters and new gearbox software. The new transmission reacts faster to changes in driver input even in the normal automatic mode and so gives the driver access to power when it's most needed.