The first race of Cars 2’s World Grand Prix takes place in Tokyo.
The Tokyo race is the opening event of the fictional international competition announced by Sir Miles Axlerod. Lightning McQueen enters the race, while Mater is drawn into the film’s espionage storyline after being mistaken for a secret agent. Tokyo’s neon-lit setting gives the sequel a major visual change from Radiator Springs.
The World Grand Prix continues to Porto Corsa, Italy, and ends in London, England. These locations allow the film to combine racing scenes with an international spy plot involving Finn McMissile, Holley Shiftwell, Professor Zündapp, and a group of disguised lemons.
Tokyo is sometimes confused with the film’s later locations because the World Grand Prix is presented as one connected event rather than three unrelated races. The opening race establishes the competition’s alternative-fuel theme and introduces the central conflict surrounding Allinol.