While visiting Japan last week I picked up the latest issue of BestCar Magazine. Inside this issue is a multi-page article regarding the new RL. The article is currently being translated, but so far there are some very interesting points.

The author of the article says he has been tracking the development of the RL/Legend since a development prototype was tested at the Nürburgring last year. According to the article, an RL/Legend test mule with a prototype SH-AWD sytstem was tested at the 'Ring against a Skyline GT-R. The article states that the RL's lap times consistently bested the GT-R. The author makes the statement that the SH-AWD's performance dynamics are so innovative that he's convinced current systems from Nissan's GT-R, Subaru's Imprezza (WRX), and Mitsubishi's Lancer - leaders in AWD technology, are a step behind. He goes further and suggests that SH-AWD's performance handling dynamics are so groundbreaking that it threatens to surpass BMW's M5 class (hmmm - we shall see).

The next part of the article discusses the RL's styling and how within the Japanese press there had been many speculative drawings and CG graphics of the car's expected design. Upon the release of the RL concept sketches by Honda on April 1st, the reaction was said to be generally quite favorable. The consensus was this new RL/Legend design was very appealing, innovative and sporty. The article includes several CG (computer generated) images of the car, showing front and rear views, and they are quite accurate (this particular issue of the magazine hit newstands only 3 days after the official photos of the Legend/RL were released by Honda/Acura).

The RL's motor is discussed briefly, and it mentions that it will be dubbed "S-VTEC". It's unclear whether the "S" represents "Super" or "Sports". The writer predicts that the motor will be the blueprint for the powrplant of the next NSX. As we've heard from the NYIAS, there is extensive use of carbon and aluminum components in the engine, drivetrain and aluminum die-cast panels/parts in the body structure with the purpose of minimizing weight, while maintaining structural strength. Definitely with this new RL/Legend, the focus is on sports performance - it is evident in the powertrain and the bolder design of the car.

The (speculated) dimensions and specs listed are as follows*:
Length: 196.5 in. (193.5 in.)
Width: 72.8 in. (72.6 in.)
Height: 57.0 in. (57.1 in.)
Wheelbase: 114.3 in. (110.2 in.)
Weight: 3,748
Engine (mentioned above): J35A S-VTEC
Displacement: 3.5L
Horsepower: 280 @6200 rpm, 300 (for North America)
Torque: 260lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Price: $40K USD

*NOTE:This BestCar article was written prior to April 7th, 2004, when many of the actual specifications were released, so the figures they list are obviously speculative. The official published specifications are shown in parentheses. The official weight, torque, and pricing have yet to be released.

Several pages of the article are left to be translated. Any further revealing details will be shared in a subsequent news item.

The TOV thanks 'Legendry329' for assisting with the translation

Last edited by JeffX on April 25, 2004 13:22