Cars 2 was the first Pixar Cars film to feature Lightning McQueen racing in London.
The 2011 sequel takes Lightning McQueen and Mater outside the United States for the World Grand Prix. London provides the setting for the film’s final major race and spy-action climax, with landmarks such as Big Ben appearing in the animated cityscape.
The original Cars focuses mainly on Radiator Springs and American racing culture. Cars 3 returns to a primarily American racing story centered on McQueen’s struggle against newer competitors. Cars Toons is a separate series of short films rather than a feature-length Cars movie.
London’s appearance can be confused with the film’s earlier international locations. Tokyo hosts the first World Grand Prix race, while Porto Corsa hosts the second. London is the final principal location in the competition.