The World Grand Prix brings Lightning McQueen to three major cities in Pixar’s Cars 2.
The fictional competition is organized by Sir Miles Axlerod to promote a new alternative fuel. McQueen competes for the United States against racers from several countries, while Mater becomes entangled in the film’s spy plot. The races take place in Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London.
Cars 2 uses the World Grand Prix to broaden the franchise from American stock-car racing into an international sports setting. Each course has a different visual identity, including Tokyo’s urban streets, Porto Corsa’s Italian coastline, and London landmarks. The event also creates the public backdrop for the film’s secret conflict.
The World Grand Prix is distinct from the Piston Cup, the domestic championship featured most prominently in the first Cars. Although both are racing competitions, they serve different roles and have different locations and participants.