Honda launches advanced driver assist systems on Legend

Creation date: 07 March 2006

Honda has introduced the new European Legend at the Geneva Motor Show.

The European-specification Legend contains innovative technology and adds new advanced driver assist systems, for enhanced driving comfort and safety.

The 295 PS 3.5 litre VTEC engined Legend is equipped as standard with an array of advanced technology, such as the Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system which provides traction and cornering agility, an Active Front lighting System and a pop-up bonnet for pedestrian protection. Adaptive Cruise Control which maintains a safe distance from a vehicle in front and Honda’s Collision Mitigation Brake System is available on an option basis. A Lane Keeping Assist System which supports the driver in keeping the car in the middle of the motorway lane is also introduced for right hand drive models.

As well as providing a conventional cruise control function, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses a grille-mounted radar to adjust speed automatically by applying either brake or throttle to maintain a consistent distance to a vehicle directly in front.

ACC is logically supplemented with the Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) which predicts potential collision situations and reacts accordingly.

If CMBS determines that the closing rate between the Legend and the vehicle directly in front has increased beyond an acceptable level, visual and audible warnings prompt the driver to take preventive action. If the distance further diminishes, the system provides a tactile warning by gently retracting the seatbelt and applies light braking. If an accident seems to be unavoidable, the system applies strong braking and strong retraction of the front seatbelts via E-Pretensioners to reduce the speed of impact and to mitigate the damage of a collision.

In addition, right-hand drive models can also be specified with the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), already seen on the 2006 Honda Accord. This uses a camera mounted behind the top of the windscreen to identify the lane in which the vehicle is travelling and to correct any deviation via an appropriate input to the steering.

Two technology simulators on the show allow visitors to experience SH-AWD, Intelligent Night Vision and e-pretensioners.

For more information, contact filip.sergeys@honda-eu.com
Technical video of CMBS at http://world.honda.com/HDTV/news/2003-4030520a/