HONDA Legend 2009-2012 Photos, engines & full specs

Honda introduced the facelift for the fourth generation of its flagship model Legend at the 2008 Moscow Motor Show, preparing the car for the Euro 5 emission standards.

While in the U.S., the Acura RL was just at its second generation, the European Legend was already at the fourth. Yet, both cars were similar, and the different badges were used since the Japanese carmaker didn't want to introduce its premium brand on the Old Continent.

Honda looked like it didn't want to invest too much in the appearance of the facelifted version. Yet, it refreshed the headlights' look, which received sharper lines as opposed to the smoother ones from the non-facelifted version. In addition, the hood and the front grille were slightly reshaped to match the design of the headlamps. At the back, Honda also installed new taillights with an angular design that led to new quarter panels.

Inside, Honda kept the same layout for the cabin, although it improved a lot the comfort by adding a noise-canceling system. This uses the Bose infotainment to counter the low-frequency sounds with pitch, inaudible sounds. Moreover, the carmaker added new sound-deadening materials, which were lighter and as effective as those used before. Finally, an acoustic windshield improved the silence in the cabin.

For the drivetrain, Honda placed its bets on the same 3.7-liter V6 powerplant paired to a new, five-speed, automatic transmission developed in-house. It sent the power in all corners via an intelligent all-wheel drive system dubbed SH-AWD (Super-Handling AWD).