Motortrend's Car of the Year, Class of 2009

Judging for 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year -- our signature award -- is underway. We're in the midst of our exhaustive evaluation process, which features intensive performance testing and flogging at the Hyundai/Kia testing facility in Mojave, California, with each of this year's field of 17 contenders. The field is then whittled down to 10 finalists, and then we evaluate them further on a demanding road loop. From econoboxes like the Toyota Corolla to midsize sedans such as the Mazda6 and Audi A4, to the Nissan GT-R supercar, this year's field is one of the strongest in some time.

As with all of our OTY contests, Car of the Year is not a comparison test. It's open only to all-new or substantially upgraded vehicles that have gone on sale in the 12 months from November 1, 2007. We do not revisit vehicles that have been on sale for the past five years.

Each COTY contender is being evaluated against three simple criteria:

1. Superiority. We look at engineering excellence, advancement in design, utilization of resources, and safety. Vehicle concept and execution are important, as are use of materials, packaging, dynamics, styling, and fuel consumption.

2. Significance. How well the vehicle does the job its maker intended and impacts its particular market segment, influences consumer perceptions, and transforms product-development trends.

3. Value. How each vehicle compares against its direct rivals. A vehicle with a low sticker price might not be as good a value as a more expensive vehicle that delivers outstanding performance, quality, and functionality.

Below is this year's field. What do you think? What's your pick as the early favorite? The folks in the MT.com forums are already having their say, and you can check out what they're thinking BY CLICKING HERE. Stay tuned to motortrend.com and check out the January 2009 issue of Motor Trend for the complete story and more on this year's field, our testing process, and the vehicle that will take home the Calipers.

THE CLASS OF 2009:
Acura TL
Acura TSX
Audi A4
BMW 1 Series
Dodge Challenger
Honda Fit
Hyundai Genesis
Jaguar XF
Lincoln MKS
Mazda6
Nissan GT-R
Nissan Maxima
Pontiac G8
Pontiac Vibe
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Matrix
Volkswagen CC

Source;
http://blogs.motortrend.com/6301350/car-of-the-year/2009-motor-trend-car-of-the-year-the-contenders-are-revealed-whats-your-pick/index.html