jeffphx

I agree completely!!! It would definitely set the RL apart. Plus, if it get IMA it should help the RL sell well in the Europe and Japan where gas cost twice as much as here and emissions are even more important for tax reasons.

mayonaise

is there a V8 minivan to compete with any V8 SUVs? sure, minivans aren't trendy whatsoever, and SUVs are. one of the reasons behind the SUV trend is the size of them. many SUVs are huge, and are getting bigger every year (explorer -> expedition -> excursion). people always want bigger, more powerful cars. if no one was looking for a giant car, no one would buy a giant SUV! also, i don't think the SUV market is saturated exclusively with parents wanting to haul around their kids. it makes up a big part of it, but thats not the only side to it. don't most mid-sized SUVs lack a third row of seating? saying that people will make a switch from a minivan to a mid-sized SUV is perfectly reasonable. they're about the same size, MAYBE the SUV has third row seats... but the fact is, THOUSANDS of full-sized SUVs keep selling year after year. the size is a huge factor

i don't think a new legend NEEDS a V8 either. but the point is, people love having V8s. most people don't know any better, they just think V8s are superior because they're bigger, and they think they'll have more power (usually they have more torque).

i agree that honda will market IMA as a new technology, but they're still electric motors. hybrid technology is something people haven't fully embraced yet as THE replacement for the internal combustion engine.

furthermore, hondas recent ad campaigns in the US haven't really made an impression on me. in fact, honda ads have NEVER stood out to me. even with the RSX and TSX, its like they're not even trying. they make commercials and such, but they don't do things on the same level as, say, volkswagon. so i'm not too convinced that they're going to draw people in with promotional material.

anyone that isn't infatuated with european cars, lexus', or giant engines will have the sense to realize that the new legend will be a superior car. just like many hondas/acuras are compared to their competitors. but i don't think its going to be enough to make this car blow away the competition.

OLDZ

Lets just keep our fingers cross on this one. Just because they are giving it more power etc. does not mean that it will be an instant hit. Just look at what happened to the new Q45. That car is light years ahead of the previous generation. It has more power, better looks (IMO), better technology.. but its sales numbers do not reflect that at all.....just a thought.

velfarretokyo

No one needs a V8, but if you really want to be considered a serious contender in the upper luxury segment you're going to have to off at least V8 power. Sadly, the current RL doesn't do that which is why it sells poorly in comparison to the 5-series and E-class. A V8 is no guarantee of success, just look at the M45 and Q45, but its part of the package.

mayonaise

the Q45 argument is very true, and is only an indication that it could really go either way. but imagine if nissan had put a V6 in the new Q45

yianni64

The RL is lacking overall. If you want to seriously tell me a base RL with 300hp, AWD, TONS of standards (nav, onstar, xenon, etc etc stuff that you pay up the wazoo for in a german car) for a selling price thats lower wont be a hit, even if they call it the Acura POS. As long as its not butt ugly.

velfarretokyo

With the RL so far off I doubt those are credible images of the new car. Besides, I'm sure Honda will show off a "concept" version of the car soon that will give us visual hints.

mayonaise

the first one is a photoshop of TSX. the second one is some spyshot of some car, and probably not photoshopped. but its not a legend. its too small to be one.

this is more credible, i think:
http://a298.g.akamai.net/7/298/5382/...0_image002.jpg

yianni64

Let's hope it looks like that, minus the gross wheels and grill.

Samson

you cant tell me that the 2nd pic is not shopped in some way... look at the bumper in the back.... its like pasted on.