Two years ago, the new GM Silverado and Sierra came out. Last year, the all-new Tundra entered the ring. This year, Dodge and Ford have their best-selling vehicles entering the market when the segment sales have fallen off a cliff. Toss in fluctuating fuel prices, an uncertain economy, and a credit crunch and you see what’s at stake. 

With all that said, we can't think of a better time to be part of the ultimate half-ton pickup-truck test, bringing all six major-league competitors into a single Thunderdome to see who’s left standing. We know you have your favorites. You might even be able to guess who our favorites are. Regardless, get ready for a test for the ages as we get ready to run each of these full-size players in various competitions (track testing, towing, hauling, fuel economy, and more) to see who deserves to stand at the top of the hill.

In the name of full disclosure, the invitations were sent out, calling on each OE manufacturer to send us its best and brightest 2009 half-ton player. We wanted crew cabs, 4x4s, their biggest V-8, and just about any and every bell and whistle they could find. We tried to keep everything as even as possible but you’ll have come back later (Nov. 12) to find out which pickups separated themselves from the pack in each of the truck tests. Any guesses? Which do you think was fastest? Which towed faster? Which truck conquered the dreaded split-mu surface with elegance? Actually, what is a split-mu surface?

For now, here are the competitors and their various specs (model, cab config, engine, and ring and pinion). We'll have more in two weeks.