Sedona, AZ, 15 December, 2012 - Ten years ago, as Reuters photographer John Hillery and myself rounded a curve on Arizona Service Route 89 in a pre-production and completely revamped 2002 Ford Explorer, we came face-to-face with at least a 2 ton boulder blocking the roadway. There was no place to go; going around on the left would have placed us perilously close to the road edge and an estimated 1,000 ft. drop. Going to the right was out of the question. The only choice was to stop, hopefully, in time. We had four things working to our advantage: 1. Anti-lock braking (ABS) 2. New for Explorer anti-dive geometry 3. Lighter weight. and 4. Driving skills (John’s) presumed adequate. Thankfully, all these aspects combined to stop us just a hairsbreadth from this massive boulder which would have made short work of our vehicle - and perhaps us - had we impacted it. Fast forward to 15 December, 2012, again headed to Sedona, this time for lunch at the renowned and highly recommended by my driving companion, L'Auberge de Sedona Resort and its Restaurant on Oak Creek.

1. eMOTION! REPORTS.com
Automotive/Aerospace Industries Systemic Intelligence
2013 Dodge Challenger R/T at L’Auberge de Sedona: a Blending of
Technological and Culinary Excellence

2. 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T at L’Auberge de Sedona: a Blending of
Technological and Culinary Excellence
Sedona, AZ, 15 December, 2012 - Ten years ago, as Reuters photographer John Hillery and myself
rounded a curve on Arizona Service Route 89 in a pre-production and completely revamped 2002 Ford
Explorer, we came face-to-face with at least a 2 ton boulder blocking the roadway. There was no place to
go; going around on the left would have placed us perilously close to the road edge and an estimated
1,000 ft. drop. Going to the right was out of the question.
The only choice was to stop, hopefully, in time.
We had four things working to our advantage: 1. Anti-lock braking (ABS) 2. New for Explorer anti-dive
geometry 3. Lighter weight. and 4. Driving skills (John’s) presumed adequate. Thankfully, all these
aspects combined to stop us just a hairsbreadth from this massive boulder which would have made short
work of our vehicle - and perhaps us - had we impacted it.
Fast forward to 15 December, 2012, again headed to Sedona, this time for lunch at the renowned and
highly recommended by my driving companion, L'Auberge de Sedona Resort and its Restaurant on Oak
Creek.

3. Set in a stunningly beautiful locale among the Red Rocks - a weighted statement considering that Sedona
is one of the most aesthetically glorious places on earth - much is offered in the way of placing maximum
distance between guests and the cares, pressures, stresses and concerns of what is commonly called life.

4. Like my companion, I am a Frank Lloyd Wright aficionado, and we were both struck by the similarities
of L'Auberge landscaping, utilization of natural resources and building placement to Wright's approach
of melding human conceptualized architecture within the organic. Moreover, it called to mind his words
in describing this machine age architect's masterpiece of residences, Fallingwater: "Fallingwater is a great
blessing -- one of the great blessings to be experienced here on earth, I think nothing yet ever so equaled the
coordination, sympathetic expression of the great principle of repose where forest and stream and rock and
all the elements of structure are combined so quietly that really you listen not to any noise whatsoever
although the music of the stream is there. But you listen to Fallingwater the way you listen to the quiet of
the country..."

6. Mother Nature at Her Uncooperative Best
Our mission in this instance was twofold: Evaluation of the 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T, and the cuisine of
L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek (In another life, I was a restaurant critic) which my companion had
assured me was a cut above.
But in a circumstance eerily similar to the boulder encounter of a decade previous, we found ourselves
and I-17 under relentless climatological assault through heavy rain, intermittent snow, and an interstate
section badly in need of repair. In an instant, we were immersed in a wall of water thrown up by a vehicle
to the left of us, following its encounter with a pool of accumulated rain water at 65 mph.
Two things, maybe three, were at work for us; 1. Years of training through the Bob Bondurant and Skip
Barber Racing Schools, and 2. A vehicle whose superior balance and road adhesion characteristics -
thanks to an excellent blending of power, suspension, Electronic Stability Control, All Speed Traction
Control and tire technologies by Dodge engineers - was conducive to a flawless performance within an
impending road emergency...
Northrop-Grumman F-14 Tomcat Breaking the Sound Barrier Image: US Navy
If memory serves me correctly, the recommended action for recovery from a flat spin in a Northrop-
Grumman F-14 Tomcat or fighter aircraft of similar configuration and performance, is perhaps
analogous to the situation we suddenly encountered: DO NOTHING. The prevailing wisdom being that
additional pilot or driver inputs could well exacerbate the problem. And, despite survival instincts telling
you to take some action, i.e.; slow down, change lanes, etc., the training forces a more logical course, and
it worked for us that day. Challenger emerged from this water baptism maintaining course and speed,
without a hint of perturbance.
And that has been the experience, in a variety of driving circumstances on Arizona and California
roadways, with this extraordinarily balanced and modern iteration of a ‘70’s muscle car icon.

7. Safe Arrival at L’Auberge
Although slightly unnerved by the experience, we were nevertheless confident that the cuisine and
atmosphere of L’Auberge would more than compensate, and we were correct.
It is no exaggeration to say I felt instantly at home in spacious and well-appointed surroundings (my
companion had been there many times before, and has never been disappointed) while delighting in an
attentive staff from the moment we walked in until departure. Our waiter, Luklik, epitomized the
knowledgeable presenter of fine cuisine, and seemed possessed of a sixth sense in terms of anticipating
need.
My companion chose from the menu Spinach and Leek Chicken Crepes; served with cherry tomato and
cucumber salad, while gruyere cheese fondue provided a flavorful topping . Light, airy and tasteful, it was
served in the right quantity; allowing one to savor the experience without caloric concerns.
When I delayed making a selection from a fairly expansive menu, Luklik quickly suggested a special
entree for that days’ luncheon dining: Veal and Lamb Bolognese; a pasta dish that revealed, via its
texture, aroma and a taste that lingered long enough within the tongues’ receptors for me to perceive the
culinary architecture of its individual components, why it was so strongly recommended.

8. Both entrees’ were impeccably presented and demonstrative of a flair for artistry in this most critical
aspect of any fine dining experience. And, as if on cue, Chef Keith was kind enough to grace us with his
presence, offering commentary on the decision to include this Italian themed repast in the offerings of the
day: “Veal and Lamb Bolognese, a winter time entrée at L’Auberge. As the weather cools down, this is a
hearty pasta dish sure to warm your heart and soul.”
I completely agreed with his assessment, and I will order this again when we return for a more unhurried
breakfast, lunch and dinner experience, along with a more comprehensive walkthrough of L’Auberge
grounds in the near future.
It goes without saying that a fine dining establishment is only as good as its culinary staff, and assurance
of a memorable event is the responsibility of L’Auberge Head Chef Rochelle Daniel.
Why she was selected by the establishment’s executive leadership is borne out by the impressive Bio of
Chef Daniel:
“Chef Rochelle Daniel discovered her passion for cooking at the age of 15 and
soon embarked on an illustrious culinary journey that has led her to her current
role as head Chef of the award-winning L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek.
After graduating from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona,
Daniel was offered a position at Zinc Bistro, cooking under the award winning
Executive Chef Matt Carter before working her way up to become Chef de
Cuisine.
“Chef Daniel’s unique creativity combined with her understanding of current
dining trends has provided her many highly esteemed opportunities. A few career
highlights include consulting for the opening of Lush Burger Restaurant,
offering food demonstrations through Food Network and acting as a personal
chef for families with nutritional needs. She has also been recognized as one of
the Valleys top 5 Sous Chef’s by the Arizona Republic and as Best Sous Chef by
AZcentral.com. Chef Daniels’ reputable culinary career, ability to stay ahead of
the dining curve and distinct approachability will only continue to enhance the
highly celebrated L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek.”

9. L’Auberge Head Chef Rochelle Daniel discusses the day's menu and wine selections with Chef Keith and Culinary staffer Image: L'Auberge

10. Chef Daniel oversees the creation of perfect pairings of cuisine and select wines from L'Auberge's impressive wine cellar Image: L'Auberge

11. December 15, 2012
Starters
Artisan Cheese Platter 18
Chef's Daily Selection of Three Cheeses, Classic Accompaniments
In House Charcuterie 14
Warm Olives, Violet Mustard, Toasted Ciabatta
Flatbread of the Day 15
Chef's Daily Selection
Seasonal Soup 12
Chef's Daily Selection
Salads/Sandwiches/Signatures
Organic Mixed Greens 13
Shaved Pears, Blue Cheese, Candied Pecans, Red Wine Vinaigrette
Arugula & Fig Salad 15
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, Pickled English Cucumber, Feta Cheese
Dungeness Crab Salad 22
Iceburg Lettuce, Tarragon, Toasted Hazelnuts, Baby Tomato, Sherry Vinaigrette
Seared Ahi Tuna Niçoise * 22
Baby Arugula, Olives, Haricots Vert, Fingerling Potatoes, Citrus Crème Fraiche
Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad 16
Baby Gem Lettuce, Oven Roasted Baby Heirlooms
Focaccia Crouton, Parmesan Vinaigrette
Rosemary Marinated Flat Iron Salad* 18
Bib Lettuce, Radish, Candied Walnuts, Roquefort Vinaigrette
Roasted Turkey Panini 16
Avocado, Smoked Swiss cheese, Pickled Onion, Watercress
Chile Aioli, Marble Rye
Salmon “BLT” 16
Butter leaf, Heirloom Tomato, Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Cornichon Aioli
L’Auberge Burger* 18
Angus Beef Burger, Arugula, Heirloom Tomato on Fresh Brioche Bun
Choice of Bacon Bleu Cheese or Vermont White Cheddar
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Sandwich 16
Mozzarella, Roasted Red Peppers, Arugula, Basil Pesto, Griddled Focaccia Bread
Slow Roasted Prime Rib Sandwich* 18
Grilled Poblano Chiles, Caramelized Onions, Prairie Breeze Cheese, Herb Focaccia
Spinach & Leek Chicken Crepes 22
Cherry Tomato & Cucumber Salad, Gruyere Cheese Fondue
Bouillabaisse, Fresh Fish of the Day 24
Creamy Risotto, Rouille, Toasted Sourdough
Sides
L’Auberge Fries 7
Fruit Salad Mint Scented 7
Green Salad Cucumber, Tomatoes, Onions, Red Wine Vinaigrette 7
Twenty Percent Gratuity will be Added to Parties of Six or More
For the comfort of all our guests please refrain from cell phone use

12. A Place of Restoration
One of the most difficult things to do is leave Sedona owing to its near uncanny attractiveness and
calming effect felt at the physiologic and psychologic sub-molecular level. Indigenous peoples for
centuries have considered this as an undeniably spiritual place, and one soon finds proof of the
correctness of their contention. To be sure, there is something alien about the landscape, its ever
changing colours and clear evidence of anomalies in the earth’s electro-magnetic field designated as
vortices here..
I rather suspect that psychiatrists and self -help gurus consider Sedona an anathema to their trade, and
they should be afraid… very afraid. The beauty of Sedona, beyond question, is in its restorative power,
and, having recently lost my dear wife, I can share with you that my spirit has been renewed, my
confidence that the worst possible event any human can experience in life, and the pain that accompanys
it so overwhelmingly, can be reversed… however slowly.
I will be eternally grateful to the wonderful staff, including Stephanie, of L’Auberge; my dear dining
companion who strongly recommended this excursion; Ali and Whitney at JPublicrelations; the Chrysler
people who went out of their way to provide the perfect mount for this trip; the children of the Kabul,
Afghanistan, refugee camps, and... that magical place we call Sedona.
Recommended Listening: John Denver “Annie’s Song” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C21G2OkHEYo Special thanks to the UK’s Jstfmceh for this moving
video

13. Epilogue: American Ferrari?
The Challenger R/T is so extraordinarily well balanced that I suspect something else is at work here.
During the Battle of Britain, which pitted the nearly equally matched Supermarine Spitfire and
Messerschmidt BF-109 against each other in an historic battle for air supremacy over the English
Channel and landscape, comparisons were made by British and German fighter pilots relative to their
individual experiences with these aircraft. While Spitfire operators often said that “You don’t sit in this
aeroplane as much as you wear it” and compared it to “a glove-like fit”, BF-109 experten associated
positioning oneself into the cockpit as “ coffin-like”.
The Spitfire descriptor works quite well for Challenger R/T, and the sensation of “wearing” this vehicle
as opposed to simply being “in it” is so satisfying and impressive that one tends to forget everthing else
that is magnificient about this automobile; i.e., the quite urgent yet smooth acceleration accorded by that
5.7L Hemi V8 and the lustful, alluring sound of its exhaust note straight out of the power extreme ‘60s.
The interior has been laid out with purposeful intent from the dash guages, to the 6-speed shifter
placement, to HVAC and entertainment console controls, to the grey/red coloring scheme that is at once
militaristic and calming. Indeed, I was so taken by the Challenger system, had become so, um, addicted
to the feeling of supreme confidence while driving in any number of scenarios, that I sent urgent notes
over the holidays to Chrysler’s Gualberto Ranieri and Rick Deneau pleading for more time… just a little
more time, which they graciously granted… but was far from enough.

14. The last time I felt like this was at the controls of an ’83 Ferrari GTSi Quattrovalvole at 150 mph on an
unnamed Florida highway 27 years ago and a year previous in the black 1978 Jaguar XJS V-12 that
racer Dave Heinz won the 1979 Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash (The famous
-or infamous, depending on your point of view - “Cannonball Run”) with. Maybe I should also throw
into this mix sitting in the FAA observer’s seat on a British Airways Supersonic Concorde from roll-out to
60,000ft at Mach 2.02 (1370mph) in 1985.
That said, I suspect that the good FIAT people could not resist turning Ferrari chassis and suspension
engineers loose on a Challenger shipped to the Farmington Hills, MI facility, a place sharp-eyed
observers have seen F50s. ( Well, at least we didn’t attribute Challenger R/T’s superb road manners to
space aliens, but that would have been our next choice.)
Drive this car…
Carpe Diem,
Myron D. Stokes
Challenger R/T at the famous Legends - Blast From The Past Diner; a destination on Route 66 that will make Bobby Soxers feel young again...

17. Performance Menu: 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T
Brake Assist
Rain Brake Support
Ready Alert Braking
Electronic Stability Control
Hill Start Assist
All Speed Traction Control
Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Heavy Duty Brakes
Advanced Multistage Front Airbags
Supplemental Side-Curtain Airbags
Supplemental Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Supplemental Side-Curtain Front and Rear Airbags
Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob
Halogen Headlamps Automatic Headlamps Fog Lamps LED
Dual Bright Exhaust Tips
Performance Steering Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Performance Suspension
Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering
5.7-Liter V8 HEMI® VVT Engine
Power (SAE net) 375 hp (280 kW) @ 5,150 rpm (65.7 hp/L)(c)
Torque (SAE net) 410 lb.-ft. (555 N•m) @ 4,300 rpm(c)
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
3.73 Rear Axle Ratio
18-Inch x 7.5-Inch Aluminum WheelsP235/55R18 BSW All Season Performance Tires
Tire Pressure Monitor with Warning Lamp

18. Addendum: Getting Kicks on Route 66…
A Graphic Narrative of A Drive
Down Memory Lane on America’s Most Famous
Highway

23. About eMOTION! REPORTS.com:
eMOTION! REPORTS.com (http://emotionreports.com http://emotionreportscom.blogspot.com/ http://asimov52.wordpress.com/ ) is an
automotive/aerospace industries research and analysis site targeting professionals within the academic, media,
corporate and government sectors. The site also created a pathway through which white papers and other scholarly
works such as "Crisis On Asimov: A Vision of 2085" by national security strategist Dr. Sheila Ronis; "Quantum
Parallel: The Saint-Hilaire Quasiturbine as the Basis For Simultaneous Paradigm Shift in Vehicle Propulsion
Systems" and "Super-Globalism: Strategies For Maintaining a Robust Industrial Base Through Technological,
Policy and Process Improvement", could be presented to a broadened yet specific audience.
Publisher Myron D. Stokes is an award winning veteran automotive/aerospace industry analyst and spent several
years as an industry correspondent for Newsweek, Newsweek Japan and Newsweek International. His work as a
journalist with special emphasis on business and technology has been published in a variety of other major print
mediums including the Detroit News, Changing Times Magazine, Auto Week and corporate publications. Over the
years, he has provided major corporations and media groups with “deep background” analyses that have helped
shape the direction of some of the most significant news stories and industry strategies After outlining a strategy to
expand industry coverage for Newsweek Magazine in November of 1991, he worked in the capacity of industry
correspondent and investigative reporter. His reporting included in-depth assessments of the “shake- up” at GM, the
much publicized industrial espionage charges against former GM supplier executive Dr. Ignacio Lopez; the hazards
of doing business in China; the viability of Electric Vehicles which centered on advanced battery technology in both
the private sector and military (Newsweek International edition); the difficulties then facing Japan’s auto industry
and the comeback of the Big Three (Newsweek Japan).
In recent years, he has covered some of the most recognized stories in automotive, aerospace and general interest.
These include the Kirk Kerkorian Chrysler takeover attempt; the GM C/K truck controversy; the U.S./Japan trade
issue (Newsweek Japan) which required significant interaction with then Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown; data
for Newsweek cover story (4/95) on Airline Safety; investigative analysis of possible collusion between the warring
governments of Bosnia President Alijah Izetbegovich and Serbia President Slobodan Milosevic along with
uncovering of plan to re-implement ethnic cleansing prior to Srebenica massacre (6/95); and the Oklahoma City
bombing. His ability to thoroughly and accurately report and analyze issues of substance garnered himself and
former Newsweek Detroit Bureau Chief Frank Washington first place in the coveted Detroit Press Club International
Golden Wheel Award for Automotive Journalism in 1995. This competition, judged by professors from the
University Of Nebraska School Of Journalism, included entries from 110 journalists in five countries. Business Week
took second place. Stokes was also privileged to function as acting Detroit Bureau Chief for Newsweek.
Stokes maintains strong interest in global affairs, and continues to be involved in a range of nation building and
humanitarian/disaster relief efforts. Among these were acting as initial intercessor between UN Secretary General
Kofi Annan and the then warring governments of Eritrea and Ethiopia; an activity which helped lead to the cessation
of hostilities in October 1999; the coordination of relief activities with US, European and Middle-East based
colleagues subsequent to the Bam, Iran, earthquake of 2004, the Pakistan earthquake of 2005, and co-structuring of
academic and industrio/economic base developmental programs with colleagues in Pakistan and India.
Lastly, in his capacity as Managing Director of Global HeavyLift Holdings, Inc., an entity involved in the creation of
a new air transportation industry subset, Stokes has just completed coordination, in conjunction with Kalitta Air US,
DHL UK, AviaPartner and Fast Forward Freight of Belgium, and the British Afghan Women’s Society, of a second
emergency private airlift relief mission into the refugee camps of Kabul, Afghanistan. The mission was named
“Deadra’s Flight” in honor of Stokes’ wife who recently succumbed to illness. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-
releases/urgent-appeal-ukuseuasiamiddle-east—help-with-airlift-of-winter-childrens-clothes-to-afghanistan-wanted-174768661.html
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amnesty-international-calls-for-international-assistance-for-prevention-of-child-freezing-
deaths-in-afghanistan-as-private-citizens-commit-cargo-plane-for-airlift-175898321.html

24. Publisher’s note: A second phase of this mission will bring critically ill Afghan children to the US for treatment, with
Phoenix, AZ medical facilities having been designated for this effort. A pediatric review team consisting of
physicians and other area healthcare professionals is being formed as of now.
Current Media Advisory: http://asimov52.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/veteran-automotiveaerospace-journalistanalyst-available-
for-interviews-on-state-of-the-industry-its-product-and-riskbenefit-analysis-of-western-auto-companies-doing-business-in-the-
peoples-repu/
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mstokes@emotionreports.com.
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Web Editor: Matt Siporin
The Children of the Kabul, Afghanistan Refugee Camps Say "Thank You Deadra Stokes" following a recently completely relief mission... Images: British Afghan
Women's Society