Judging for 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year -- our signature award - is underway. We're in the midst of our exhaustive evaluation process that features intensive performance testing and flogging at the Hyundai/Kia testing facility in Mojave, California, with each of 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 to 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 how it 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 Mmotortrend.com and the January 2008 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

Photo by Brian Vance