The first World Grand Prix race in Pixar's Cars 2 takes place in Tokyo.
The Tokyo race introduces the international competition that drives the film’s main storyline. Lightning McQueen enters the World Grand Prix, while Mater becomes entangled in Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell’s spy investigation. The race takes place on a brightly lit course incorporating Tokyo landmarks and urban scenery.
The World Grand Prix then moves to Porto Corsa in Italy and London in the United Kingdom. These locations give the sequel a global structure and allow the filmmakers to contrast several recognizable environments, from Tokyo’s modern cityscape to London’s historic streets.
Tokyo is sometimes confused with the later race locations because all three cities are important to the competition. Porto Corsa is the second race, and London hosts the final race. The event’s fictional organizer is Miles Axlerod, whose alternative-fuel promotion is central to the plot.