The Finalists

Phase Two: The Road Loop

For phase two of the judging process, we move away from the controlled environment of the Hyundai-Kia proving ground and out onto real-world roads, courtesy of a 28.5-mile road loop based out of Tehachapi, which straddles the 4064-foot pass in the Tehachapi Mountains between Bakersfield to the west and Edwards Air Force base to the east. We've found how the 10 finalists work at their limits: Now we're going to find out how they work in everyday driving conditions.

The focus here is on the detail stuff. Each judge drives each finalist over the route, which includes stop-start city driving, two-lane blacktop, canyon roads, and freeway stretches, offering a variety of surfaces and a variety of speed and powertrain-load conditions. The judges assess such factors as the smoothness and refinement of powertrains, transmissions, and controls at low and medium speeds; how well the interior ergonomics work; tire noise on the freeway; steering feel through the canyons.

After almost two days, it's time for the deciding vote. We have 10 impressive finalists. But there will be only one Car of the Year.
- Angus Mackenzie

Along The Route

1. TEXACO TEHACHAPI. All fuel for COTY testing has been supplied by Texaco, the official fuel of Motor Trend.

2. TEHACHAPI BOULEVARD. Stop-start driving tests smoothness of transmissions and engine pickup at low speed, low-speed ride. Also tests all-around visibility in traffic.

3. TEHACHAPI-WILLOW SPRINGS ROAD. Broken pavement tests suppression of tire noise.

4. TEHACHAPI-WILLOW SPRINGS ROAD SUMMIT, 4844 FEET. Sustained climb from 4014 feet, then sustained descent to 4147 feet tests engine torque and transmission response under light throttle load on climb, effectiveness of cruise control on descent.

5. CAMERON ROAD. Challenging canyon road with mid-corner elevation changes induces major transient loads at just 45-55 mph. Ideal for evaluating steering response, chassis balance, body control.

6. RAIL CROSSING 1. Sharp bump taken at 10 mph tests effectiveness of suspension noise and impact harshness suppression.

7. FREEWAY. Patched concrete induces tire noise and high-frequency vibrations.

8. CAT'S EYES. Tests effective suppression of tire slap and steering-column vibrations.

9. RAIL CROSSING 2. Angled crossing induces twisting loads through suspension, plus impact noise, vibration, and harshness.

10. FREEWAY ON-RAMP. Patched surface tests suspension control over high-frequency, low-amplitude bumps while suspension and steering loaded with cornering forces.