Cars 2 was Pixar's first feature-film sequel outside the Toy Story series.
Pixar released Cars 2 in 2011, following the original Cars from 2006. Before that, the studio's feature sequels had belonged to the Toy Story franchise: Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3. Cars 2 therefore marked an important expansion of Pixar's sequel strategy beyond its first film series.
The sequel changes genres as well as locations. The original film is a sports-and-road story centered on McQueen's personal growth, while Cars 2 combines international racing with spy-film conventions. Mater becomes a major viewpoint character after secret agents mistake him for an undercover operative.
The movie's World Grand Prix travels through Japan, Italy, and England. Although the story focuses heavily on Mater, Lightning McQueen remains the racer at its center. Cars 2 was followed by Cars 3 in 2017, making Cars Pixar's second feature franchise to receive two sequels.