Cars 2 was the first Pixar Cars movie to feature international spy missions.
Released in 2011, Cars 2 changes the franchise’s genre from a character-focused road story to an international spy adventure. Mater is mistaken for an American secret agent and becomes involved with Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell while the World Grand Prix travels across the globe.
The film begins with Finn McMissile investigating a covert operation involving a group of cars led by Professor Zündapp. Mater’s accidental involvement creates the comedy, while Lightning McQueen competes in the international race. Their story moves through Tokyo, Italy-inspired Porto Corso, and London.
Cars 2 is distinct from the first film, which centers on Lightning’s personal growth in Radiator Springs, and Cars 3, which returns to racing and mentorship. The sequel’s spy format is one reason it has a noticeably different tone from the other two feature films.