Cars 2 introduced the World Grand Prix and spy missions involving Mater.
Released in 2011, the sequel follows Lightning McQueen as he enters an international racing series organized by Sir Miles Axlerod. Mater accompanies him and is accidentally drawn into an intelligence operation involving Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell.
The World Grand Prix takes the characters away from Radiator Springs and gives the film settings in Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Its conspiracy centers on Allinol fuel and a device used to attack racers during the competition.
Cars 2 is often remembered as the series entry with the strongest spy-movie structure. The original Cars centers on Lightning's forced stay in Radiator Springs, while Cars 3 returns to a more personal racing story about aging, training, and passing knowledge to a new generation.