1993 Acura Legend Coupe Chassis
Overview
Specific objectives for the Legend chassis performance called for active, driver oriented handling characteristics, very low noise and vibration, and excellent braking feel. The 1993 Coupe was refined to accommodate enhanced performance characteristics, which include new damping settings, new compliance bushings and better handling and ride.
Suspension System
A fundamental factor contributing to the precise handling of the Legend is its
excellent 60/40front/rear weight distribution. Chassis engineers consider this the ideal distribution for a front-drive automobile with sporting aspirations.
The Legend powertrain incorporates a unique aluminum front subframe. This
is not only lighter,but more rigid compared to a steel subframe. It is mounted to themain structure at eight optimum points with specifically tuned bushings designed to isolate vibration and distribute loads throughout the structure. While these bushings are soft enough to block out vibration, they are still hard enough to prevent torquing and shifting which could, in an inferior design, disrupt suspension alignment and upset the carefully calibrated geometry.To improve ride quality, the front bushing of the lower control arm has been recalibrated from 20kg/mm to 45 kg/mm for 1993.
The double-wishbone front and rear suspension features widely spaced upper
and lower wishbones that give precise suspension action. The coil-over spring/damper units are designed to be free of the binding caused by the side-loading inherent in less sophisticated strut-type designs.
The rear suspension features upper and lower lateral arms carried on a steel
subframe. Two tubular trailing arm elements, bolted together into a unit, perform the function of fore/aft location and countering of braking torque. This system reduces unsprung weight by almost 20 lbs over the first-generation Legend, and it is also more rigid overall. The Coupe suspension has been specially tuned to provide more precise handling and response and to maximize traction. The rear bushing of the lower control arm has been recalibrated from 1000kg/mm to 750kg/mm to enhance steering effect under lateral force in cornering. The trailing arm bushing has alsobeen recalibrated from 45 kg/mm to 50 kg/mmto further minimize suspension movement and enhance rear suspension precision.
Shock Absorbers And Stabilizer Bars
Sophisticated gas-pressurized shock absorbers also contribute to the ride comfort and handling of the Legend. They feature an exclusivevalve mechanismcalled the HondaProgressive Valve (HPV). In this design, the valve opens and closes progressively, rather than being simply open or closed. This improves the shock absorbers' response to quick wheel movements and results in better rebound control as well. In both cases, tire-to-road adhesion is enhanced. The front and rear shock absorber damping rates have been revised and fine-tuned for enhanced ride quality as well as improved handling precision. Suspension bushing hardness was also increased front and rear and changed to a linear rate, rather than a progressive rate, in order to minimize suspension deflection, thus improving precision.
Stabilizer bar diameters have been matched to the suspension geometry,
springing and shock absorbers. The tubular front bar is 1.13inches (28.6mm) in
diameter with a wall thickness of 0.14inch (3.5 mm). The rear bar is tubular, with a 0.75inch (19.1mm) diameter, and a 0.12inch (3.0 mm) wall thickness.