The fifth-generation Honda Legend has just been unveiled in Japan, but to our US-based readers there’s nothing “all-new” about it.
Going on sales at dealerships across Japan on January 22, 2015, the new Honda Legend is essentially a rebadged Acura RLX. Sold exclusively as a hybrid model, the Legend sources the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain from the RLX Hybrid, which means it pairs a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a 7-speed DCT transmission, a single front electric motor and twin rear motors.
The rear electric motors operate completely independent of the torque of the gasoline engine, with each offering a maximum output of 27 kW (36hp). The Honda Legend’s hybrid system features a combined output of 382PS (377hp) and automatically combines front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with EV Drive, Hybrid Drive or Engine Drive to respond to driver inputs and driving conditions.
The Legend returns 16.8 km/L (39.5 mpg US or 5.9 l/100 km) according to the JC08 mode. That’s in part due to Honda’s VCM (Variable Cylinder Management), which allows the engine to idle three cylinders to save energy as needed.
The JDM Legend features the driver-assistive Honda Sensing system which includes the world’s first Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering System, designed to help prevent collisions with pedestrians.
Prices start from 6.8 million yen ($59,560) in Japan, including an 8 percent consumption tax.
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