Cars 2 was the first Pixar Cars film to feature a spy-movie storyline.
Released in 2011, Cars 2 sends Mater and Lightning McQueen around the world for the World Grand Prix. Mater becomes involved with British spy cars Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell, while a conspiracy threatens the race and its participants. The film uses international locations, espionage gadgets, disguises, and secret missions in addition to the franchise’s racing elements.
The original Cars is primarily a road-trip and small-town story centered on Radiator Springs. Cars 3 returns to a more focused sports-drama structure, following McQueen’s attempt to compete with a younger generation. Cars 2 therefore stands apart tonally within the main trilogy.
Because Mater is not a trained spy, much of the comedy comes from other characters misunderstanding his actions or treating his accidental discoveries as deliberate espionage. The film was directed by John Lasseter and Brad Lewis.