ACURA LEGEND - Everything You Need to Know | Up to Speed

The Acura Legend: A Testament to Precision-Crafted Performance

As we embark on this journey to explore the Acura legend, it's essential to acknowledge the significance of this iconic vehicle in the world of luxury cars. The sedan that put Acura on the map and showcased its capabilities, the Acura legend has been a benchmark for precision-crafted performance, leaving a lasting impact on the automotive industry.

The Acura legend was born out of Honda's desire to break into the luxury market, leveraging their expertise in creating affordable and reliable economy cars. In the early 1980s, Honda began exploring ways to expand its product line, with a focus on producing high-end sedans that could compete with established luxury brands. This ambitious venture marked the beginning of Acura's journey as a legitimate player in the luxury market.

The first-generation Acura legend was introduced in 1986 and quickly gained popularity for its sleek design, comfortable ride, and impressive performance. The sedan boasted a range of engine options, including the C20a engine, which produced an astonishing amount of boost while minimizing turbo lag. However, due to limited production numbers, these engines became extremely rare, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts.

In contrast, the Sterling 800, Acura's initial foray into the market, suffered from faulty electronics and a short-lived reputation. Despite this setback, Acura persevered, introducing the legend coupe in 1988. This two-door variant offered a larger 2.7-liter V6 engine, producing 161 horsepower and making it an instant hit with car enthusiasts.

Acura's second-generation legend debuted in 1990, with its styling heavily influenced by the brand's new NSX supercar. The result was a stunning design that defied conventional wisdom, as the company cleverly mounted the engine longitudinally to create a longer and lower hood line. Inside the cabin, features like automatic climate control, a car phone, heated leather seats, and volume controls became standard fare, setting a new benchmark for luxury cars.

As the years went by, Acura continued to refine its design, introducing upgrades such as the C32A engine in 1993, which pushed power output to unprecedented levels. The brand also innovated with the introduction of a six-speed manual transmission option for the coup, making it one of the few cars available at that time.

The legend name lived on under various iterations, including the Daewoo brand, which continued the legacy until the 1990s. Although the Korean counterpart may have been less sophisticated than its Japanese counterparts, it remained a testament to Acura's commitment to excellence and its ability to create exceptional vehicles.

Throughout its history, the Acura legend has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to precision-crafted performance. From its early days as a fledgling luxury brand to its current status as a respected industry player, Acura has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design and engineering. The legend's impact on the industry cannot be overstated, inspiring other Japanese manufacturers to launch their own luxury lines and cementing Acura's position as a leader in the world of high-performance sedans.

In conclusion, the Acura legend is an iconic vehicle that embodies the spirit of precision-crafted performance. Its legacy extends far beyond its impressive design and capabilities, serving as a testament to Acura's unwavering commitment to excellence. As we reflect on this remarkable journey, it becomes clear that the Acura legend will forever be remembered as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history.

The Second-Generation Legend: A More Aggressive Approach

Two years after its debut, Acura added the legend coupe to the lineup, further solidifying its position in the luxury market. The coup's larger 2.7-liter V6 engine produced 161 horsepower and was mated to a more aggressive front-wheel drive layout. This combination made it an instant hit with car enthusiasts, who were drawn to its sporty dimensions and razor-sharp handling.

The second-generation legend was a game-changer in the automotive industry, marking Acura's official entry into the luxury market. Its design was heavily influenced by the brand's new NSX supercar, which debuted that same year. The result was a stunning vehicle that defied conventional wisdom, as the company cleverly mounted the engine longitudinally to create a longer and lower hood line.

Inside the cabin, features like automatic climate control, a car phone, heated leather seats, and volume controls became standard fare, setting a new benchmark for luxury cars. This attention to detail was a hallmark of Acura's design philosophy, which prioritized comfort, convenience, and performance above all else.

The legend coup was an instant hit with car enthusiasts, who were drawn to its sporty dimensions and razor-sharp handling. Its performance was impressive, with the 2.7-liter V6 engine producing 161 horsepower and delivering exceptional acceleration. The six-speed manual transmission option available on the coup made it one of the few cars at that time, further solidifying its reputation as a driver's car.

Acura's commitment to excellence continued unabated, even in the face of competition from established luxury brands. As the years went by, the legend name lived on under various iterations, including the Daewoo brand, which continued the legacy until the 1990s.

The Korean Legend: A Sophisticated Entry

From 1994 to 1999, the legend name continued living on under the Daewoo brand. Although the Korean counterpart may have been less sophisticated than its Japanese counterparts, it remained a testament to Acura's commitment to excellence and its ability to create exceptional vehicles.

The Daewoo legend was one of the most sophisticated cars in the country, boasting advanced features like anti-lock braking systems and electronic stability control. Its design was influenced by traditional Korean aesthetics, with a focus on clean lines, simple shapes, and premium materials.

Despite being less refined than its Japanese counterparts, the Daewoo legend remained an impressive vehicle that showcased Acura's dedication to performance and quality. Its engine options were more subdued than those of its Japanese brethren, but still produced respectable power outputs and delivered smooth acceleration.

The legacy of the Daewoo legend lives on in the form of modern-day vehicles inspired by its design philosophy. As car enthusiasts continue to seek out exceptional driving experiences, they can draw inspiration from Acura's pioneering work in the luxury market.

In conclusion, the Daewoo legend represents an exciting chapter in Acura's history, showcasing the brand's commitment to performance, quality, and innovation. Although it may not have been as sophisticated as its Japanese counterparts, it remains a testament to Acura's ability to create exceptional vehicles that meet the highest standards of excellence.

The Legacy of the Legend: A Lasting Impact on the Industry

Throughout its history, the Acura legend has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to precision-crafted performance. From its early days as a fledgling luxury brand to its current status as a respected industry player, Acura has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design and engineering.

The legend's impact on the industry cannot be overstated, inspiring other Japanese manufacturers to launch their own luxury lines and cementing Acura's position as a leader in the world of high-performance sedans. Its influence can still be felt today, with modern-day vehicles drawing inspiration from its design philosophy and performance capabilities.

As we reflect on this remarkable journey, it becomes clear that the Acura legend will forever be remembered as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history. Its legacy extends far beyond its impressive design and capabilities, serving as a testament to Acura's unwavering commitment to excellence.

The legend's impact on the industry can be seen in the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each trying to capture the essence of its design philosophy and performance capabilities. From the BMW 3 Series to the Audi A4, these vehicles have all been influenced by the legend's pioneering work in the luxury market.

In conclusion, the Acura legend is an iconic vehicle that embodies the spirit of precision-crafted performance. Its legacy lives on through the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each paying homage to the brand's commitment to excellence and innovation. As we look to the future, it is clear that the legend will continue to inspire car enthusiasts around the world, cementing its place as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history.

The Future of the Legend: A Lasting Legacy

As Acura continues to evolve and innovate, it's clear that the legacy of the legend will endure for generations to come. The brand's commitment to precision-crafted performance has been a driving force behind its success, and it's likely that future models will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design and engineering.

The second-generation legend remains an iconic vehicle, with its sleek design and sporty handling making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. Its influence can still be felt today, with modern-day vehicles drawing inspiration from its design philosophy and performance capabilities.

Acura's dedication to innovation continues unabated, as the brand explores new technologies and materials that will shape the future of the automotive industry. Whether it's advanced safety features or sustainable energy solutions, Acura is committed to creating exceptional vehicles that meet the highest standards of excellence.

As we look to the future, it's clear that the legend will continue to inspire car enthusiasts around the world. Its legacy lives on through the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each paying homage to the brand's commitment to excellence and innovation.

In conclusion, the Acura legend is an iconic vehicle that embodies the spirit of precision-crafted performance. Its legacy extends far beyond its impressive design and capabilities, serving as a testament to Acura's unwavering commitment to excellence. As we look to the future, it's clear that the legend will continue to inspire car enthusiasts around the world, cementing its place as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history.

The Legacy of the Legend: A Lasting Impact on the Automotive Industry

Throughout its history, the Acura legend has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to precision-crafted performance. From its early days as a fledgling luxury brand to its current status as a respected industry player, Acura has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design and engineering.

The legend's impact on the industry cannot be overstated, inspiring other Japanese manufacturers to launch their own luxury lines and cementing Acura's position as a leader in the world of high-performance sedans. Its influence can still be felt today, with modern-day vehicles drawing inspiration from its design philosophy and performance capabilities.

As we reflect on this remarkable journey, it becomes clear that the Acura legend will forever be remembered as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history. Its legacy extends far beyond its impressive design and capabilities, serving as a testament to Acura's unwavering commitment to excellence.

The legend's impact on the industry can be seen in the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each trying to capture the essence of its design philosophy and performance capabilities. From the BMW 3 Series to the Audi A4, these vehicles have all been influenced by the legend's pioneering work in the luxury market.

In conclusion, the Acura legend is an iconic vehicle that embodies the spirit of precision-crafted performance. Its legacy lives on through the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each paying homage to the brand's commitment to excellence and innovation. As we look to the future, it's clear that the legend will continue to inspire car enthusiasts around the world, cementing its place as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history.

The Legacy of the Legend: A Lasting Impact on Car Enthusiasts

Throughout its history, the Acura legend has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to precision-crafted performance. From its early days as a fledgling luxury brand to its current status as a respected industry player, Acura has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design and engineering.

The legend's impact on car enthusiasts cannot be overstated, inspiring a new generation of drivers to seek out exceptional vehicles that meet their highest standards of performance and quality. The legend's influence can still be felt today, with modern-day cars drawing inspiration from its design philosophy and performance capabilities.

As we reflect on this remarkable journey, it becomes clear that the Acura legend will forever be remembered as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history. Its legacy extends far beyond its impressive design and capabilities, serving as a testament to Acura's unwavering commitment to excellence.

The legend's impact on car enthusiasts can be seen in the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each trying to capture the essence of its design philosophy and performance capabilities. From the BMW 3 Series to the Audi A4, these vehicles have all been influenced by the legend's pioneering work in the luxury market.

In conclusion, the Acura legend is an iconic vehicle that embodies the spirit of precision-crafted performance. Its legacy lives on through the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each paying homage to the brand's commitment to excellence and innovation. As we look to the future, it's clear that the legend will continue to inspire car enthusiasts around the world, cementing its place as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history.

The Legacy of the Legend: A Lasting Impact on the Automotive Industry

Throughout its history, the Acura legend has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to precision-crafted performance. From its early days as a fledgling luxury brand to its current status as a respected industry player, Acura has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design and engineering.

The legend's impact on the industry cannot be overstated, inspiring other Japanese manufacturers to launch their own luxury lines and cementing Acura's position as a leader in the world of high-performance sedans. Its influence can still be felt today, with modern-day vehicles drawing inspiration from its design philosophy and performance capabilities.

As we reflect on this remarkable journey, it becomes clear that the Acura legend will forever be remembered as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history. Its legacy extends far beyond its impressive design and capabilities, serving as a testament to Acura's unwavering commitment to excellence.

The legend's impact on the industry can be seen in the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each trying to capture the essence of its design philosophy and performance capabilities. From the BMW 3 Series to the Audi A4, these vehicles have all been influenced by the legend's pioneering work in the luxury market.

In conclusion, the Acura legend is an iconic vehicle that embodies the spirit of precision-crafted performance. Its legacy lives on through the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each paying homage to the brand's commitment to excellence and innovation. As we look to the future, it's clear that the legend will continue to inspire car enthusiasts around the world, cementing its place as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history.

The Legacy of the Legend: A Lasting Impact on the Automotive Industry

Throughout its history, the Acura legend has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to precision-crafted performance. From its early days as a fledgling luxury brand to its current status as a respected industry player, Acura has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design and engineering.

The legend's impact on the industry cannot be overstated, inspiring other Japanese manufacturers to launch their own luxury lines and cementing Acura's position as a leader in the world of high-performance sedans. Its influence can still be felt today, with modern-day vehicles drawing inspiration from its design philosophy and performance capabilities.

As we reflect on this remarkable journey, it becomes clear that the Acura legend will forever be remembered as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history. Its legacy extends far beyond its impressive design and capabilities, serving as a testament to Acura's unwavering commitment to excellence.

The legend's impact on the industry can be seen in the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each trying to capture the essence of its design philosophy and performance capabilities. From the BMW 3 Series to the Audi A4, these vehicles have all been influenced by the legend's pioneering work in the luxury market.

In conclusion, the Acura legend is an iconic vehicle that embodies the spirit of precision-crafted performance. Its legacy lives on through the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each paying homage to the brand's commitment to excellence and innovation. As we look to the future, it's clear that the legend will continue to inspire car enthusiasts around the world, cementing its place as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history.

The Legacy of the Legend: A Lasting Impact on Car Enthusiasts

Throughout its history, the Acura legend has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to precision-crafted performance. From its early days as a fledgling luxury brand to its current status as a respected industry player, Acura has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design and engineering.

The legend's impact on car enthusiasts cannot be overstated, inspiring a new generation of drivers to seek out exceptional vehicles that meet their highest standards of performance and quality. The legend's influence can still be felt today, with modern-day cars drawing inspiration from its design philosophy and performance capabilities.

As we reflect on this remarkable journey, it becomes clear that the Acura legend will forever be remembered as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history. Its legacy extends far beyond its impressive design and capabilities, serving as a testament to Acura's unwavering commitment to excellence.

The legend's impact on car enthusiasts can be seen in the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each trying to capture the essence of its design philosophy and performance capabilities. From the BMW 3 Series to the Audi A4, these vehicles have all been influenced by the legend's pioneering work in the luxury market.

In conclusion, the Acura legend is an iconic vehicle that embodies the spirit of precision-crafted performance. Its legacy lives on through the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each paying homage to the brand's commitment to excellence and innovation. As we look to the future, it's clear that the legend will continue to inspire car enthusiasts around the world, cementing its place as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history.

The Legacy of the Legend: A Lasting Impact on the Automotive Industry

Throughout its history, the Acura legend has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to precision-crafted performance. From its early days as a fledgling luxury brand to its current status as a respected industry player, Acura has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design and engineering.

The legend's impact on the industry cannot be overstated, inspiring other Japanese manufacturers to launch their own luxury lines and cementing Acura's position as a leader in the world of high-performance sedans. Its influence can still be felt today, with modern-day vehicles drawing inspiration from its design philosophy and performance capabilities.

As we reflect on this remarkable journey, it becomes clear that the Acura legend will forever be remembered as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history. Its legacy extends far beyond its impressive design and capabilities, serving as a testament to Acura's unwavering commitment to excellence.

The legend's impact on the industry can be seen in the numerous cars that have followed in its footsteps, each trying to capture the essence of its design philosophy and performance capabilities. From the BMW 3 Series

WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: en(tires screeching)- Beautiful.- Its the sedan that put Acura on the mapand showed everybody that you don't needto spend a ton to get a ton.From turbos to all wheeldrive to crazy hybrid systems.This Acura has done it all.There isn't a person in theworld who's owned one of theseand didn't love it, but why?Well, I'm about to tell you,this is everything you need to knowto get up to speed on the Acura legend(gaming music)Just wanna give a big shoutand a huge thanks to Acurafor actually sponsoringthis episode of Up To Speed.As we'll see, Acura has alwaysbeen a hyper focused companyobsessed with precisioncrafted performance.They have a legacy of purposeful design,but how did this legacy begin?(soul music)In early 80s, Honda was hatching a plan.The car maker known aroundthe world for affordableand reliable economy carswas gonna do somethinga little brazy.They were gonna make somenice ass luxury cars.Internally, it seemedlike the logical move.Honda was really good at making great carsthat were affordable.Detroit just couldn't keep upand Honda figured they couldbring some of that same kind offight to ze Germans and bringan exquisitely designed sedan to market.There was also a very practicalbusiness reason to buildmore expensive cars for America.- This notification indicatesour intent to challengethe continuing discriminationagainst United States autosand auto parts in Japan.- The US was imposingautomotive tariffs on Japan sothat Japanese auto makersvoluntarily limitedthe amount of cars they sold in the US.Now because of this limit,Honda had to make more premium carsto make up the difference.That makes sense, right?In 1981 the company gotto work on designingits flagship luxury sedan,code codename project HX.Honda worked closelywith Austin Rover Group.Over (mumbles) England,during the design phase.Rover was interested indeveloping a sedan of their own,which would greatly benefit from havingsome Japanese engineering involved.The sedan would be poweredby the Honda C25A engine.The first time Honda used a B6in one of their production cars.The cars exterior designwasn't too controversial.It was a handsome and sleek four or sedan.Rover's version of the carwas called the Rover 800or Sterling 800 as it wasknown over here in the US.The Rover was different fromthe Honda on the inside,featuring genuine British woodsand leathers very luxurious,but there was a bit of the problem.Honda was known in theUS for their economy carsand now they were goingto sell a luxury car?I mean, people might be skeptical.So along with the new car,Honda launched a new company called Acuraand their new sedan wouldbe called the legend.That's bold, all right.That's like naming your son Adonis.What if he turns out to be chubby?Anyway, the sedan launchedin Japan as a Honda in 1985,then arrived in the US as an Acura in 86.Alongside the legend was Acura second car,the Integra, a sportingcompact that we've talked abouta million times before, heey!This is a freakin' GS-R.I'm gonna put the linkto those videos downin the description below.Acura, expected to sell 55,000 unitsand met that goal in the cars second year.The legend gave customersfeatures, usually found in muchmore expensive cars at amuch more affordable price.With that famous famoushigh build quality.The sedans interior wasplush and super comfortable,complete with a bangin' systemand a power freakin' sunroofso you could look atthe sky while you drive.Underneath the legend suspension featureda Honda staple, doublewishbones in the front.Now double wishbonesuspension looks like thisand it was developedin formula one racing.A little team called McLarenwas using Honda enginesin the mid eighties andkicking a lot of butt.(formula 1 car engine rumbling)Honda saw that McLaren wasusing double wishbone setupsand they thought,hey, that would probablywork in our road cars.Acura was so sure of the legendthat they only gave customers one option,besides paint, the transmissionYou get a four speed autoor five speed manual,both of which were praisedby auto journo typesas being smooth like Santanafeaturing Rob Thomas.♪ It's a hot one ♪While the legend was only available withthe C25A in America.Japanese buyers had otherinteresting engine options,including a very small two liter V6.In 1987 Honda Japan offereda turbocharge versionof this little tiny buzz boy,which used a special variablegeometry turbo or VGT.(car engine roaring)These special turbos can changethe amount of exhaust gasesneeded to get them spooledup by using actuated veins.Is pretty freakin' complicated.But long story short, they canmake large amounts of boostwhile also keeping turbo lag to a minimum.Now, if you're thinking aboutC20at swapping your legend,be prepared to be patientbecause Honda didn't sellvery many of those cars with this engine,making them extremely, extremely rare.Back in the US the legend was selling welland quickly establishingAcura as a legit luxury brand.Things were a little differentfor the Sterling 800,remember the Rover from before?Unfortunately for Rover,the Sterling used Rover electronics,which were notoriously faultyand quickly bombed theSterling's reputation.The Rover 800 wouldsoon leave the US marketjust five years after its debut.With less than 2,500 units sold.On the flip side, Acurawas just getting started.(car exhaust roaring)Two years after the sedansdebut, Acura added the legendcoupe to the lineup.And as the name suggests,this legend was a coup.And it only had two doorsHad a larger 2.7 liter V6 under hood.Make it 161 pony boyspower them front wheels.The Acura experimentwas officially a successand inspired other Japanese manufacturersto launch their own luxury lines.Toyota has Lexus.Nissan gave birth to infinity.Acura achieved their goal ofbreaking into the luxury marketand caught more establishedbrands off guard.Now was the time for accuratepunch him in the tummy,then punch him in the face.Ding, ding, ding.The second gen legenddebuted in late 1990,the styling borrowed cuesfrom Acuras new NSX supercarwhich launched that same year.I got to tell you, thesecond gen legend freakin'blew people's minds and how could it not?The new legend looked amazing.Ahhh Uh Ooh Wow!My mind is blown.The proportions and stance made it looklike a rear wheel drivecar, but it wasn't.How they do that well instead of mountingthe engine transversely,Acura engineers mounted in the new3.2 liter V6 longitudinally.The result was a longerand lower hood linewhich gave the legendvery sporty dimensions.Inside the car, the hitsjust kept on coming.Automatic climate control.Had a freakin' car phone in it.Heated leather seats.Real mounted volume controlsfor your radio and doors.They use vacuums to suck them closeif they weren't closed all the way.Guys, this is 1991 all right.This stuff was groundbreakingand the Germans were like shyza.We do not have ze doorsthat sucks in self closed.Along with the new sedan, thelegend coupe was back babyand it looked even better than before.With one of the most 90s rearends of the decade, right?In 1993 the C32A engine was upgradedto make even more power baby.Now pushing 230 horsepowers.Acura offered a six speed manualas an option for the coup,making it one of the fewcars available at the timeWith that many years,people were like, Whoa!Six gears, that's crazy, man.Fun fact, from 1994 to 1999 thelegend name continued livingon under the Daewoo brand.♪ Daewood ♪The Daewod legend waspretty basic comparedto some of the more option out legendsfrom Honda and Acura, butcompared to other cars,Korean companies werebuilding at the time.The Korean legend was one ofthe most sophisticated carsin the entire country.(tires screeching)The Acura legend lived up to its name.It crossed the pond and showedeveryone that Acura knewhow to build a great car.The legend is a legend.If you're not subscribedalready, subscribe.Let me know what you thinkabout the Acura legenddown in the comments belowfor Donut on Instagramand Twitter at Donut Media.Follow me on Instagram andTwitter at Jay's Pumphrey.Go get yourself some merch.Tell your mom you love her.I love you. Bye.