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Thread: *'05 Honda Legend/Acura RL spied at Nurburgring*

  1. Member SMG's Avatar
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    08-12-2003 05:30 PM #1
    In case the pics don't work: http://www.thecarconnection.co...=6284



  2. 08-12-2003 05:32 PM #2
    that looks bad-ass...

    is that the real headlight/taillight or are their some weird covers on them?

    i like the headlights, and the shape of the hood...

    is that an intercooler i spy?


  3. 08-12-2003 05:34 PM #3
    why they put a big arse seadan at Nurburgring
    looks more like a new maxima to me lol
    i don't see "ANY" design cues from the current models at all

  4. 08-12-2003 05:36 PM #4
    Quote, originally posted by jbell »
    that looks bad-ass...

    is that the real headlight/taillight or are their some weird covers on them?

    i like the headlights, and the shape of the hood...

    is that an intercooler i spy?


    it's very unlikely honda will do turbos...
    espically try it out on a new seadan. and from my prespective it's just a unfinished bumper grill lines...
    and the whole car has wierd lines all over them. the hood, the bumper, the lights

  5. 08-12-2003 05:38 PM #5
    looks like they put fake nose and tail covers on it. Like, not just tape or cloth, but molded plastic pieces.

  6. 08-12-2003 05:56 PM #6
    Quote, originally posted by kyokoris »
    why they put a big arse seadan at Nurburgring
    looks more like a new maxima to me lol
    i don't see "ANY" design cues from the current models at all

    Thats because a lot of all companies test their cars on the Nurburgring now. You don't see any design cues from the current models becuase of all the fake moldings and plastic completely covering the car.


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    08-16-2003 03:47 PM #7
    Looking good so far

  8. 08-16-2003 03:54 PM #8
    Quote, originally posted by ilovethecure »

    Thats because a lot of all companies test their cars on the Nurburgring now. You don't see any design cues from the current models becuase of all the fake moldings and plastic completely covering the car.

    Yeah, looks like they took a front end off an Alfa and sort of vomited melted plastic all over the arse. I see a bit of Maxima in the C pillars and rear fenders. Hopefully it's just my imagination.


  9. 08-16-2003 03:55 PM #9
    Quote, originally posted by kyokoris »
    why they put a big arse seadan at Nurburgring
    looks more like a new maxima to me lol
    i don't see "ANY" design cues from the current models at all

    they tested the exhisting model at the ring too.


    I'll put alot of money down that the new RL will be an awesome car. Not only will it have the power to finally match the competition, but unlike the german cars, I have no doubts that it will be incredably reliable. My dad has had 4 acuras's in a row now (89 legend, 94 legend, 97 RL, 00 RL), and only once, in all four cars has he ever had to go in for anything besides regular mainitinace.


  10. 08-16-2003 04:15 PM #10
    man that is like THE nurburgring spy shot... shot.

    Every spy shot taken there is taken from those two locations/angles.


  11. 08-16-2003 04:21 PM #11
    camera towers?

  12. 08-16-2003 04:41 PM #12
    Quote, originally posted by TravisHasA VR6 »
    camera towers?

    Maybe it's some small piece of land that the track couldn't or didn't buy or something.


  13. Member MikeNoGo's Avatar
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    08-16-2003 04:48 PM #13
    Quote, originally posted by kyokoris »

    it's very unlikely honda will do turbos...

    Well, Japanese magazines have also rumored that they're building a 3.8l turbo V6 to put in a special NSX. Then again, rumors in Japanese magazines have this habit of not being accurate...

    Mike


  14. 08-16-2003 05:06 PM #14
    Quote, originally posted by maXor »

    Maybe it's some small piece of land that the track couldn't or didn't buy or something.

    That's Brunnchen bend. There's a public parking/resting/viewing area very close to the track. It's accessible from one of the roads around Nordschleife so acess cannot be restricted.
    There are some more interesting viewing spots, but that's the most popular one because not only it's easy to get there and there's an excellent view of two bends, but that's also a place where a lot of accidents take place. The place is always packed. Mostly by touristswho want to see some action. Strange people.


  15. 08-16-2003 07:14 PM #15
    I don't think this is the Legend/RL.

    First, the size is wrong. You can see that from the B-pillar back the car is rather small. Not only the deck is short, but so is the rear door. This is a 3-series scale, at best. Cannot be the largest Honda.

    In fact, I don't think it is really a Honda. Many details are not consistent with the latest Honda designs. The C-pillar looks much more European. Oval exhausts seem very un-Honda-like. And the door handles are more like Mercedes, or perhaps Saab, definitely different from those in any other Honda/Acura. Just my observations.


  16. 08-16-2003 08:39 PM #16
    Quote, originally posted by wac77 »
    I don't think this is the Legend/RL.

    First, the size is wrong. You can see that from the B-pillar back the car is rather small. Not only the deck is short, but so is the rear door. This is a 3-series scale, at best. Cannot be the largest Honda.

    Yeah, good call. The RL needs to be 7-series sized. This car is way too small. The latest Japanese design have become so European, it's pretty hard to tell what this could be. Looks like a Toyota maybe?


  17. Member SMG's Avatar
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    08-16-2003 08:53 PM #17
    Quote, originally posted by wac77 »
    I don't think this is the Legend/RL. First, the size is wrong. You can see that from the B-pillar back the car is rather small. Not only the deck is short, but so is the rear door. This is a 3-series scale, at best. Many details are not consistent with the latest Honda designs. The C-pillar looks much more European. Oval exhausts seem very un-Honda-like. And the door handles are more like Mercedes, or perhaps Saab, definitely different from those in any other Honda/Acura.

    How can the exhaust be "un-Honda-like"? The '04 TL hardly has what I would consider "Honda-like" exhaust tips. Also, the door handles are of the typical pull-style. What makes them Mercedes or Saab-like? By that logic they could also be Volkswagen or BMW-like. I don't think you can accurately say how short the rear deck is because of the huge plastic piece covering it. If the C-pillar is in fact European-inspired, it would make sense because Honda probably wants the next RL to chase after the German players in the segment. Finally, as far as the car being short, it seems like it has a good-size wheelbase. I definately think it's longer than a 3-series.

  18. 08-16-2003 10:09 PM #18
    <Stattlich sees black sport sedan... Stattlich likes. >

  19. 08-17-2003 04:06 AM #19
    Quote, originally posted by trbogti »

    How can the exhaust be "un-Honda-like"? The '04 TL hardly has what I would consider "Honda-like" exhaust tips. Also, the door handles are of the typical pull-style. What makes them Mercedes or Saab-like? By that logic they could also be Volkswagen or BMW-like. I don't think you can accurately say how short the rear deck is because of the huge plastic piece covering it. If the C-pillar is in fact European-inspired, it would make sense because Honda probably wants the next RL to chase after the German players in the segment. Finally, as far as the car being short, it seems like it has a good-size wheelbase. I definately think it's longer than a 3-series.

    You are right about the new TL exhaust tips. But I still can't see oval ones on Honda's flagship.

    About the door handles, what makes them Mercedes or Saab-like is the "inscribed in an oval" look.

    Finally, about the size, at least that rear door is way too small for the top Acura sedan.


  20. 08-17-2003 08:09 PM #20
    Quote, originally posted by climacus »
    Yeah, good call. The RL needs to be 7-series sized. This car is way too small. The latest Japanese design have become so European, it's pretty hard to tell what this could be. Looks like a Toyota maybe?

    Honda doesn't make anything that competes with the 7-series. Heck, the Legend/RL barely even competes with the 5-series. It's designed to be a mid-range luxury car, not really a top end luxury car. Since Honda refuses to make anything with a V8, and I seriously doubt any car would get respect without a V8 when spending $60k+, Honda will continue to stay out of that market. Remember, retail on a 2003 RL is $45k. That's like what a BMW 530i goes for with a couple good options. The Acura is designed to compete with the other 6-cylinder luxury cars, basically.


  21. 08-17-2003 08:19 PM #21
    Quote, originally posted by AZGolf »

    Remember, retail on a 2003 RL is $45k. That's like what a BMW 530i goes for with a couple good options. The Acura is designed to compete with the other 6-cylinder luxury cars, basically.

    yup, and on paper it competes well, it has the same power, all kinds of crap that BMW makes options, and decent looks, It just doesnt drive well enought to compete with the others.


  22. 08-17-2003 10:01 PM #22
    it will be another solid and conservative Acura, i wouldnt buy it though

  23. Senior Member ATL_Av8r's Avatar
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    08-17-2003 11:31 PM #23
    Are those Montreal I's on that thing?

  24. 08-17-2003 11:39 PM #24
    gah that is hideous

  25. Member SMG's Avatar
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    09-24-2003 10:58 PM #25
    Just an update for all ye who doubted. The 10/03 issue of CAR confirms that the above pic is in fact the next Honda Legend/RL.

    "The new Legend's debut will be at Tokyo this October. It shares the Accord's front-wheel-drive platform, with a 200bhp-plus V6 driving the front wheels. In the Legend the V6 will be mated to the IMA electric motor system, creating Honda's first 6-cylinder hybrid, and cranking up total power beyond 300bhp. The other big talking point is the high boot line, like BMW's 7-series. Maybe the Japanese will finally come unstuck cribbing Euro designs for their luxury cars."


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    09-24-2003 11:17 PM #26
    Quote, originally posted by trbogti »
    "The new Legend's debut will be at Tokyo this October. It shares the Accord's front-wheel-drive platform, with a 200bhp-plus V6 driving the front wheels. In the Legend the V6 will be mated to the IMA electric motor system, creating Honda's first 6-cylinder hybrid, and cranking up total power beyond 300bhp. The other big talking point is the high boot line, like BMW's 7-series. Maybe the Japanese will finally come unstuck cribbing Euro designs for their luxury cars."

    So it's Accord based, FWD, with a 300+ hp. Isn't that just a TL with a few added ponies? Unless I'm missing something, it sounds like another useless new generation of the RL to me.
    2010 S4 | 2004 X3 2.5i | --Pics--

  27. 09-24-2003 11:21 PM #27
    does the rl usually have less hp then the tl?

    edit: oopsie, me dumbie. FINALLY they're bringing the concept to life!


    Modified by stock60 at 4:25 AM 9-30-2003


  28. 09-24-2003 11:28 PM #28
    There will never be a Legend as great as a 1995 Milano Red LS Coupe with a 6 Speed.

    230 HP, and all the goods to go with ti ... droooolllll


  29. Member SpeedRicer's Avatar
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    09-24-2003 11:37 PM #29
    Quote, originally posted by Hurleysurf24 »
    There will never be a Legend as great as a 1995 Milano Red LS Coupe with a 6 Speed.

    230 HP, and all the goods to go with ti ... droooolllll


  30. 09-25-2003 12:40 AM #30
    Actually, if it uses the IMA system it will have 200hp to the front wheels and use electic motors to the rear wheels giving a total of 300hp a la the DNX concept. AWD 300hp sedan with a V6, excellent reliability and gas milage...sign me up...if i had the funds

  31. 09-25-2003 12:49 AM #31
    Quote, originally posted by PhilHVW »

    So it's Accord based, FWD, with a 300+ hp. Isn't that just a TL with a few added ponies? Unless I'm missing something, it sounds like another useless new generation of the RL to me.

    AWD AWD AWD


  32. 09-25-2003 01:04 AM #32
    What he said

  33. Member A.Wilder's Avatar
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    09-29-2003 11:19 PM #33
    looks like an altima
    Restrepo
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  34. 09-30-2003 03:25 AM #34
    Quote, originally posted by climacus »

    Yeah, good call. The RL needs to be 7-series sized. This car is way too small. The latest Japanese design have become so European, it's pretty hard to tell what this could be. Looks like a Toyota maybe?

    I suspect that the new RL will be closer in size to 1999-2003 TL length (around 192.9 inches), but with a significantly wider body. This can give the illusion of a small car in the pictures. After all, the new 2004 TL is shortened to around 186 inches, but with a wider width.

    This shorter length from the current RL (around 196 inches) makes more sense if they are going to use the Accord platform. I don't think that platform can be realistically lengthened to around 200 inches length as rumored a few years ago.

    If my speculations are true, good job for Honda for 'leaking out' the false rumor 2 years ago (of the next legend will be S-class sized while in fact it will be more like an E-class sized).

    We'll see if competitors actually bite those false rumor of two years ago, and started to draw their next generation of RL/Legend contender to be longer. Actually, I am not sure if Lexus LS or Infinti Q45 can be considered as competitors right now. Honda seems to be comfortable selling car in its own segment nowadays.


  35. 09-30-2003 09:36 AM #35
    The Accord platform can be stretched to 200 inches....it's been done. Look at the Odessey

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