Cars 2 introduces the World Grand Prix as its central racing event.
The World Grand Prix is organized by Miles Axlerod to promote Allinol, a new alternative fuel. The competition features three major races in Porto Corsa, Italy; Tokyo, Japan; and London, England.
Lightning McQueen enters the event, while Mater becomes involved in an international spy mission after being mistaken for an undercover agent. The race framework lets the film move beyond Radiator Springs and explore locations inspired by real cities.
Cars 2 was directed by John Lasseter and Brad Lewis and released in 2011. It differs sharply from the first and third films because its plot combines racing with espionage. The Piston Cup, by contrast, is the championship most associated with the original Cars story.