Cars 2 is the title of the second Pixar film in the Cars franchise.
Released in 2011, Cars 2 changes the series’ emphasis from a small-town racing story to an international spy adventure. Mater accidentally becomes involved with secret agents Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell while Lightning McQueen races in the World Grand Prix.
The movie was directed by John Lasseter and co-directed by Brad Lewis. It is the only main Cars feature centered heavily on espionage, disguises, secret technology, and an international conspiracy. The film’s locations include Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London.
Cars 2 received mixed critical reviews compared with the original Cars, but it expanded the franchise’s global setting and merchandise range. It was followed by Cars 3 in 2017, which returned to a more focused racing and mentorship storyline.