Resources related to the 2011 Japan Crisis

On March 11 at 2:46pm JST a massive 9.0-magnitude earthquake occurred near the northeastern coast of Japan, creating extremely destructive tsunami waves which hit Japan just minutes after the earthquake, and triggering evacuations and warnings across the Pacific Ocean. The earthquake and tsunami have caused extensive and severe damage in Northeastern Japan, leaving thousands of people confirmed dead, injured or missing, and millions more affected by lack of electricity, water and transportation.

This page is being updated continuously to provide the latest information about this crisis, resources for those affected, and ways to contribute to relief efforts in Japan.

Mugen Euro working some magic on the CR-Z

The Honda CR-Z hybrid hot hatch was meant to be the spiritual successor of the legendary CRX but all the excitement that surrounded it was left wanting following its launch as the CR-Z wasn’t as fun as the punters had hoped for, even though it was still a damn decent drive.

Mugen’s European division and Honda UK has been working on a highly-tuned version of the CR-Z that, in its own words, ‘will deliver Type R-like performance.’ You can expect a prototype to grace the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July.

“This will be one quick hybrid. With more torque, more power and Mugen’s experience of working with Honda cars, we’re expecting great things. It promises to show how hybrid cars can be even more exciting to drive,” said Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for Honda UK.

Honda UK explained that the Mugen CR-Z will not only have modifications to the 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine but will see the IMA electric motor system get a boost as well to bump up power and torque. They added that the changes could even bring out better fuel economy and lower emissions although exact figures regarding the project aren’t final yet.

Just like the Type R that it seems to line itself up against, bigger brakes and tuned suspension geometry will be part of the package to improve handling and increase driver feedback. Mass will be eliminated as well courtesy of a carbon fiber bonnet and forged alloy wheels.

Cosmetics are as important as performance and the Mugen CR-Z will be fully kitted out with a new front bumper, rear bumper, rear wing and diffuser that will all actually serve to improve aerodynamics.

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A Special World

A special world for you and me
A special bond one cannot see
It wraps us up in its cocoon
And holds us fiercely in its womb.

Its fingers spread like fine spun gold
Gently nestling us to the fold
Like silken thread it holds us fast
Bonds like this are meant to last.

And though at times a thread may break
A new one forms in its wake
To bind us closer and keep us strong
In a special world, where we belong.

- Sheelagh Lennon -