Acura Legend.
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We know Acura has an all-new EV SUV coming next year, previewed by the Performance EV Concept last August. But how about a new EV sedan? Something that could actually be a new Acura Legend?
The first generation Acura Legend came out back in 1985. It was Honda’s first car to use a V6. And Honda’s very first luxury car for the US market. While the sedan basically looked like a larger Honda Accord, the coupe, introduced in 1987, was a much more original design. And didn’t look at all like the much cheaper Accord.
A second generation was introduced in 1990 and looked much more upscale. It also looked much less than the Honda Accord.
I think they did such a great job with the 2nd generation coupe that it still looks better than any current Acura models today. No, they never looked futuristic. But the classic yet very simple and modern design still looks great today. They were produced until 1995, which means that no matter what if you find one, it will still be a 30-year-old car.
In a stupid and dunce-like move, Acura decided to name their next large sedan the RL instead of Legend. (It was however still called Legend Overseas). A stupid move that probably ended up costing them.
Of course, their new EV will be an SUV. But Honda is getting ready to sell a brand new EV sedan based on the Series 00 concept we saw last year. A new Acura sedan based on that platform could be a good idea to compete against EV sedans from Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and others. Even Volvo is having one soon.
It would also be a good time to revive the great “Legend” name. Since we already have an Integra and a Prelude is coming g soon…
“A second generation was introduced in 1990 and looked much more upscale. It also looked much less than the Honda Accord.
I think they did such a great job with the 2nd generation coupe that it still looks better than any current Acura models today. No, they never looked futuristic. But the classic yet very simple and modern design still looks great today. They were produced until 1995, which means that no matter what if you find one, it will still be a 30-year-old car.”
Agreed, Agreed and Agreed. Something about the 2gen coupe. The third gen was a horrible copy of the then Lexus LS400.
Yes please! Or the Vigor. (I think that’s what it was called…the smaller Legend). I’m so sick of all these electric SUVs. Some of us still want sedans, especially a nice EV sedan and don’t want to support that P.O.S. Elon.
I’ve been a TLX owner for close to 20 years, and I have to say I so very disappointed in Acura. Putting out a V4 motor and charging close to 50k. What a fall from grace!
I completely agree with Billy. Once the Legend became the RL/RLX, it became a bloated charicature of its former self. It lost the simple elegant lines with sporty overtones, while it tried ever harder to be a Lexus, before it transitioned into a dull laughing stock with the designs from Dave Marek. Honda has repeatedly reshuffled him into lesser impactful roles in the organization. With his most recent demotion to ‘advisor’, this would be a good time to reintroduce design to Acura, and to not confuse it with their current outlandishly overstyled lineup.
Model for model, Acura currently doesn’t have anything that Honda doesn’t have and that’s a shame. Like Mazda, Acura needs a 6cyl hybrid/PHEV option for its larger models, where the engine actually engages the wheels. The fact that Acura can’t seem to show a new RDX tells me there’s problems in that division with respect to its interaction with the Honda structure. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jon Ikeda pushed out, and some of the established design team like Michelle Christensen. The idea of a Honda 0-series form made into an Acura is really disturbing. I expect more from Acura, and the ADX isn’t it. Frankly, its another overstyled minimal effort product. A throw back to the 2nd gen Legend and a redesigned Integra and Vigor would be.
Personally I love the RL one of the best looking Acura cars. As for the comment about the 4 cylinder it also pulls 300hp. Ive been wanting them to put the Civic Type R motor in another car and they finally did it. What they need is a sporty coupe. Not a fan of the designs past 2012 especially when they hide the exhaust in the TLX, Civic etc and charge a premium for the Type S version. Acura RL 2011 is what I drive and its a perfect vehicle.
this 1994 Acura full line brochure is night and day different from what Acura is offering now. Acura in its prime was really special. I can’t say that about Acura now. And I’m so tired of SUVs!
https://importarchive.com/brochure/acuralineup1994_01