For 1989, the Acura Legend line of luxury performance cars has been refined to include standard driver's side air bag on all models, redesigned front and rear and the addition of double-wishbone rear suspension for the Legend Sedan. Upgraded interior features, attractive new exterior colors and alloy wheel treatments are also new for the 1989 Legend.
The Acura Legend line-up includes the 2-door Legend Coupe and 4-door Legend Sedan. Both the Coupe and Sedan are offered in three trim levels -- Legend, Legend L and Legend LS.
New as standard equipment for all Legend models for 1989 is the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Designed exclusively for the Legend by Honda Research and Development Co., Ltd., the SRS incorporates a driver's side air bag and knee bolster. Used in conjunction with the three-point seat belt, the air bag cushions the driver's head and upper torso when deployed in a potentially dangerous frontal impact. Vents in the bag regulate escaping air to soften the impact.
The air bag itself is located in the hub of the steering wheel, which is mounted on a standard adjustable steering column. The SRS utilizes four impact detecting sensors -- two positioned in the front of the car and two in the passenger compartment. For the air bag to inflate, one front sensor and one sensor in the passenger compartment must simultaneously detect the impact.
The addition of the Supplemental Restraint System for all Legend Coupe and Sedan models is part of the Acura commitment to vehicle safety that includes energy-absorbing, rigid unit-body construction, protective steel door beams, 5 mph bumpers and three-point front and rear outboard seat belts.
Other significant changes for the 1989 model year include revised front and rear body treatments for the Legend Sedan. The subtle restyling includes low profile headlights and new grille treatment, color-keyed upper bumper surfaces, hidden windshield washer nozzles, new side markers and body side molding, sharper definition of body side character lines and new taillights and taillight panel treatment.
Both Legend Sedan and Coupe utilize numerous aerodynamic design elements, including low, sloping hoods, integrated bumper and air dam, flush halogen headlights, and flush glass and door handles. Coefficients of drag for the Sedan and Coupe are just 0.32 and 0.30 respectively. The use of narrow roof pillars and large glass areas also provides excellent all-around driver visibility of 310 degrees for the Sedan and 323 degrees for the Coupe.
All Legend models are powered by a technically advanced 2.7-liter, 24-valve SOHCV-6 with programmed fuel injection. The aluminum alloy powerplant utilizes a pent-roof combustion chamber, symmetrical four-valve layout with centrally located spark plug and Variable Intake Control System to provide smooth delivery of power and torque across the full rpm range. The engine is rated at 160-horsepower (at 5900 rpm) and 162 lbs.-ft. of torque (at 4500 rpm).
Mated to the engine is a choice of 5-speed manual or electronic dual-mode 4-speed automatic with programmed lockup torque converter. The automatic incorporates a driver-selectable Sport mode which allows the selection of higher shifting points for enhanced driving performance. The Sport range improves gear selection on long, steep grades or while towing a trailer.
New to the Legend Sedan is the double wishbone rear suspension, giving the Sedan the same 4-wheel double wishbone suspension design as the Legend Coupe. The design incorporates coil springs, fade-resistant gas pressurized shock absorbers and front and rear stabilizer bars for excellent wheel control. Progressive rate coil springs in the rear help provide a comfortable ride regardless of the load ride and handling. The combination gives every Legend a high level of ride and handling.
Legend automobiles also feature an equal-length halfshaft front-wheel drive system to improve handling and virtually eliminate the undesirable torque steer often associated with conventional front-wheel drive designs.
Offered as standard equipment on every Legend is speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and power-assisted dual-diagonal 4-wheel disc brakes. The steering system provides maximumassist for low-speed maneuvering and parking and reduced assist at higher speed for enhanced road feel.
In addition to the 4-wheel disc brakes, Legend Land LS include a standard Anti-Lock Braking (ALB) system. Designed by Honda Research and Development Co., Ltd, the ALBsystem senses impending wheel lockup during hard braking. It then modulates hydraulic pressure at that wheel's brake caliper up to ten times per second. By allowing the wheels to rotate rather than lock up, the driver is better able to retain steering control and stability.
Performance-oriented Michelin MXVsteel-belted radial tires -- 205/60 VR15for Coupe, 205/60 HR15 for Sedan -- complement Legend handling. For 1989, the Sedan features restyled brushed aluminum alloy wheels. The Coupe's alloy wheels also receive a new bright, brushed finish.
Refinements to the ergonomically designed Legend interior include the addition of 6-way power driver's seat with memory for the Legend Coupe Land LS, and passenger seat walk-in device with memory for Legend Coupe. The Legend Coupe also features automatic driver and front passenger seat belt presenters for all trim levels. Legend Sedan Land LS continue to offer 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory and 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat on LS. Three-point front and rear outboard seat belts are standard. as are childproof rear door locks on Sedan models.
Leather-trimmed upholstery is standard on the Coupe LS and Sedan LS. while Legend L models offer a choice of leather-trimmed or Moquette fabric upholstery. The Legend interiors also offer a full range of comfort and convenience features. including power-operated windowsand door locks. air conditioning. cruise control and power-operated sunroof.
Other items include a digital quartz clock, a full center console designed to accommodate a cellular phone, an illuminated entry system and dual illuminated vanity mirrors. Both the Legend and Legend L are equipped with an AM/FM stereo electronically-tuned radio with cassette. 7-band programmable graphic equalizer. Dolby®and four speakers. The Legend LS includes a specially designed Acura/Bose® Music System. which includes an AM/FMstereo/cassette with Dolby®and Dynamic Noise Reduction® and four Bose® speakers. Legend L and LS models also offer a comprehensive security system. The Legend LS includes an automatic climate control system and a Driver's Information Center.
Legend automobiles have received many honors since their introduction in March 1986, most recently being named to both CAR AND DRIVER and ROAD & TRACK1988 "10 Best" automobiles lists. In addition, Acura has been named number one over all other nameplates in the 1987 and 1988 J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) survey for product quality and dealer service.
Exterior color selection has been expanded to 14, including five new colors for 1989 -- Seattle Silver Metallic, Tuscany Taupe Metallic, Geneva Green Pearl, Laurel Blue Metallic and Asturias Gray Metallic. The unique Legend 23-step, four-coat/four-bake painting process provides a lustrous finish.
"The Acura Legend Sedan and Coupe continue to offer innovative engineering, attractive styling, ergonomically advanced interior and lasting value and durability for outstanding customer satisfaction, " said Ed Taylor, vice president of the Acura Automobile Division. "It's a combination that should make Legend a favorite with customers in the U.S. automotive market again in 1989."
All Acura automobiles are covered by a 3-year, 36,000-milelimited warranty.