Cars 2 is the Pixar Cars film centered on the World Grand Prix and international espionage.
Released in 2011, Cars 2 follows Lightning McQueen as he enters a three-race international competition held in Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London. Mater becomes involved in a spy operation after being mistaken for an undercover agent, shifting the franchise toward an action-adventure and espionage format.
The film's plot connects the races to Allinol, an alternative fuel promoted by Miles Axlerod. A group of villains manipulates racers and uses the competition as part of a larger scheme. This combination of racing, comedy, and spy-film elements distinguishes Cars 2 from the small-town character story of the original Cars and the sports drama of Cars 3.
Planes is a separate animated film set in the broader world of talking vehicles, while Cars and Cars 3 focus more directly on McQueen's personal and racing development. Cars 2 is the specific film with the World Grand Prix and spy storyline.