2009 Honda Legend

Honda’s quiet achiever is about to undergo a minor facelift and power upgrade. This year Honda has only sold 54 Legends, but the 2009 model is set to increase sales. The Japanese company says the new Legend will deliver more power and torque, together with increased efficiency and refinement.

From the outside, there are 12 noticeable differences as well, starting with larger 18-inch allow wheels (245/45R18 tyres). Other enhancements include a new aluminium bonnet (less weight), new bi-xenon headlights and upgraded pentagonal grill, a new front bumper which encompasses integral fog lights and distinctive lower cooling air intakes, new rocker panels, new higher rate spring and damper settings, a new boot lid with integral spoiler, a new rear bumper, new tail-lights and a new exhaust treatment.

The final enhancement is the integration of a new ‘acoustic windscreen’, which Honda says includes a thin film of butul alcohol between two bonded glass panels to deliver a whisper-quiet cabin. Under the bonnet sits the same V6 VTEC engine as found in the current Legend. However capacity has increased from 3.5 to 3.7-litres, with total power now at 226kW and maximum torque increasing to 370Nm. Fuel consumption has also come down, while power has gone up. Dropped from 11.8L/100km to 11.3L/100km.

The 3.7-litre engine is special in many ways, most importantly for being the most powerful production engine ever offered by the Japanese company. The power and torque is delivered to the wheels through an upgraded version of the five-speed Sequential SportShift transmission available in the MY08 model. The auto comes with sports mode and steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift controls.

The new Honda Legend will retail from $77,500 (only one grade) and will hit Honda dealers from September 1st 2008. Expect a review of the new Legend soon.

© Source: caradvice
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