OVERVIEW
Specific objectives for the Legend chassis performance called for active, driver-oriented handling characteristics, very low noise and vibration, and excellent braking feel.
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
A fundamental factor contributing to the precise handling of the Legend is its excellent 60/40 front/rear weight distribution. Honda R&D chassis engineers consider this the ideal distribution for a front-drive automobile with sporting aspirations.
The Legend powertrain incorporates a unique aluminum front subframe. This is not only lighter, but more rigid compared to a steel subframe. It is mounted to the main structure at eight optimum points with specifically tuned bushings designed to isolate vibration and distribute loads throughout the structure. While these bushings are soft enough to block out vibration, they are still hard enough to prevent torquing and shifting which could, in an inferior design, disrupt suspension alignment and upset the carefully calibrated geometry.
The double-wishbone front and rear suspension features widely spaced upper arid lower wishbones which give precise suspension action. The coil-over spring/damper units are designed to be free of the binding caused by the side-loading inherent in less sophisticated strut-type designs.
The rear suspension features upper and lower lateral arms carried on a steel subframe. Two tubular trailing arm elements, bolted together into a unit, perform the function of fore/aft location and countering of braking torque. This system reduces unsprung weight by almost 20 lbs over the first generation Legend and it is also more rigid overall.
SHOCK ABSORBERS AND STABILIZER BARS
Sophisticated gas-pressurized shock absorbers also contribute to the riding comfort and handling of the Legend. They feature an exclusive valve mechanism called the Honda Progressive Valve(HPV). In this design,the valve opens and closes progressively, rather than being simply open or closed. This improves the shock absorbers' response to quick wheel movements and results in better rebound control as well. In both cases, tire-to-road adhesion is enhanced.
Stabilizer bar diameters have been matched to the suspension geometry, springing and shock absorbers. The tubular front bar is 1.13in. (28.6 mm) in diameter with a wall thickness of 3.5 mm. The rear bar is tubular, with a 0.75 in. (19.1mm) diameter, and a 3.0mm wall thickness.
Taken as a whole, this suspension system enabled the Legend engineers to realize the dream of any serious chassis engineer- to maximize handling precision and ride comfort at the same time.
STEERING
The Legend has rack-and-pinion steering with a speed-sensitive variable power assisted system. For improved steering feel, the variation in power assist is more linear. The system's vane-type assist pump has high capacity for immediate response to quick steering wheel motions, and operates very quietly.
BRAKING SYSTEM
The Legend features four-wheel discbrakes. The ventilated front discs are 11.0in (280 mm) in diameter and 0.91in (23 mm) thick. At the rear the solid discs are 11.0in in diameter. A drum-in-disc parking brake is used in order to enhance parking brake power.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
Standard in all models is the Honda R&D-designed Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), which has four wheel-speed sensors and three channels.
WHEELS AND TIRES
Every second-generation Legend Sedan is equipped with cast-alloy 6.5 11x 15 wheels, fitted with 205/60R-1591V, V-rated tires. The tires are all-season type. The spare tire and wheel are of compact, temporary use type. Thanks to a new exhaust system layout and a more compact muffler, the spare well is large enough that a full size road wheel and tire can be stowed there when the spare is installed.