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2015 Honda Legend Flagship Sedan Revealed in Japan: It's the Acura RLX

Japanese automaker Honda announced a bold move today, as the famous Legend sedan is being revived. Expected to go on sale in Japan on January 22, 2015, the new Legend will act as their flagship model and will be sold with only one powertrain from 6,800,000 yen, equivalent to just under $60,000.
2015 Honda Legend 18 photos
Photo: Honda
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2015 marks the 30th anniversary of the Legend and this fifth generation model promises to be the most technologically advanced model they've ever had, a true rival to some of the Lexus GS.

Our American friends will, by now, have noticed that the new Honda model is actually their Acura RLX sedan. The proportions and design are the same, sans the badges of course, and so is the powertrain.

The 2015 Legend is offered exclusively with the "SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive)" in Japan. It's a 3-motor hybrid system, one of the most advanced on the market, which claims to do 16.8 kilometers per liter of fuel (39 mpg US, 46 mpg UK).

Under the bonnet is a 3.5-liter SOHC direct injection naturally aspirated engine that delivers 314 PS and 371 Nm of torque (274 lb-ft). This is coupled to an electric motor that's sandwiched between the engine and the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Maximum output of the front electric motor is 35kW (48PS) and 148 Nm (109 lb-ft).

At the rear, the 2015 Honda Legend has two more electric motors, each producing 27kW (37PS) and maximum torque of 73 Nm (54 lb-ft) from 0 revs. The result of all this tech is a combined figure of 382 PS.

Technology and class-leading space

The Legend weighs almost 2 tons (1980 kg) and is packed with all the latest Honda technologies. This includes a head-up display that shows navigation information and details about local speed limits, three types of interior leather and the latest safety tech packaged into the "Honda SENSING" system. At 4,995 mm long, it's also the largest Honda put on sale and offers rear legroom comparable to a Mercedes S-Class.

The Japanese company calls its fresh design "Firmed Elegant Form". It's sharp and somewhat complex, implying power without overstating it. Of course, the highlight of the whole body is the Jewel Eye LED Head Light system, which consists of 16 individual lenses to help brighten up the road.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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