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Honda slaps Legend name on JDM Acura RLX

It's been eighteen years since we last saw the Legend nameplate in Acura showrooms here in the US, but in Japan it's still very much alive as Honda's flagship sedan. And now the Japanese automaker has revealed the latest generation.
Set to go on sale across Japan on January 22 - 30 years since the nameplate was introduced - the new Honda Legend is essentially the same model we already know in the States as the new Acura RLX. Only by "essentially," we mean exactly. It is the RLX, only with Honda badges instead of Acura ones. The manufacturer hasn't even changed the grille or the wheels.
Although the RLX is being offered Stateside in two forms, the new JDM Honda Legend will only come in one form, equivalent to our Sport Hybrid, with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and a hybrid powertrain pairing a 3.5-liter V6 to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission with integrated electric motor. For the privilege of owning the most luxurious car Honda makes, Japanese customers will have to pony up ¥6,800,000 - which about adds up to $59,950 we'd pay for an RLX Sport Hybrid.

2022 Acura MDX First Drive Review | Sportier and more luxurious than ever

The 2022 Acura MDX is Acura’s latest, completely redesigned model in whatÂ’s shaping up to be a rekindling of the Japanese luxury brand. Acura smacked us across the face (in a good way) with the luxurious and sporty TLX last year, and now itÂ’s trying to do the same with its three-row family crossover. 2020 saw the MDX become AcuraÂ’s best-selling model of all time, surpassing 1 million total sales. Granted, itÂ’s been around since the turn of the century, but thereÂ’s no underselling how important the MDX is to Acura. Enthusiasts like ourselves are far more intrigued by the performance cars, but the MDX is where Acura is printing its money. However, its cash cow status hasnÂ’t restrained Acura from transforming the new MDX into a crossover thatÂ’s likeable to both enthusiasts and the public at large. ThatÂ’s the Acura we remember and love. The 2022 MDX rewrites its story with a new “light truck” platform that's exclusive to Acura Â… for the time being. When we asked what this platformÂ’s future might be, an Acura spokesperson told us that “this platform will underpin other models in our company portfolio, but weÂ’re not speaking to that at this time.” Most likely, Acura is referring to the next-generation Pilot (along with the Passport and Ridgeline), considering that every previous MDX has been related to Honda's three-row crossover. For now, however, this new platform facilitates the MDXÂ’s longer dash-to-axle ratio (4 inches greater than before), which gives it proportions similar to rear-drive-based competition from Europe and elsewhere. It also results in greater cabin space, better handling and new technologies, but we need to address the design first. 2022 Acura MDX Advance View 23 Photos The transformation is substantial, as the 2022 MDX is both wider and longer than its predecessor. Where there was slop and slouch before, there is none today. Its upright face, mesmerizing grille, big wheels and sharp lighting elements make the MDX stand out in the crossover crowd. This redesign takes the MDX from being one of the least fetching options in the segment to standing tall as one of the most stylish. Big styling wins havenÂ’t always been easy for Acura to come by over the last 10-plus years, but chalk this one up as another feather in the cap following the dashing new TLX. The new MDX platform contributed to these good looks, but it also brings a splash of utility.

Second-generation Acura TLX could inaugurate a turbocharged V6

The second-generation TLX will inaugurate a turbocharged V6 engine developed specifically for the Acura brand, according to a recent report. The six will power a range-topping, performance-oriented variant of the sedan. Honda's luxury division gave us a thinly-veiled preview of the next TLX when it introduced the Type S concept (pictured) at The Quail in 2019. While technical details were left out of the announcement, Car and Driver learned from sources familiar with the company's plans that the sedan will receive a new V6 whose displacement will likely check in at 3.0 liters. It will reportedly make over 300 horsepower thanks to at least one turbocharger. The 3.0-liter will replace the 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 available in the current-generation TLX. Several members of the Honda range also use the bigger six, it's notably found in the Ridgeline pickup, but none will receive its replacement; it's Acura-specific. Transmission options remain unconfirmed. C/D added the TLX will receive a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder as its entry-level engine. It's related to the four that powers the Honda Accord, and it will spin the front wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive will be offered at an extra cost. The sedan will ride on a new platform, and it will drive better than its predecessor regardless of cylinder count thanks in part to a comprehensively redesigned front suspension. Earlier spy shots depicting heavily-camouflaged test mules suggest the next TLX will look a lot like the Type S concept. It will take Acura's design language in a more evocative direction that will permeate the rest of the range in the coming years. Inside, motorists will find a touchpad-controlled infotainment system like the RDX's. Acura resorted to automotive omerta when asked to confirm or deny the rumors. The company simply told Autoblog it will introduce two new vehicles in the next 12 or so months and unveil a brand-exclusive turbocharged V6, which adds credibility to the report. We'll need to muster a little bit more patience to learn more. Related Video:     Featured Gallery Acura Type S Concept photos View 16 Photos Rumormill Acura Sedan