Cars 2 was the first Cars movie released in 3D.
Released in 2011, Cars 2 expanded the franchise from the American racing world of the first film into an international spy adventure. Its global locations, action sequences, and visual effects were designed for large-scale theatrical presentation, including stereoscopic 3D screenings.
The original Cars was released in 2006, before the franchise's first theatrical 3D feature. Cars 3 followed in 2017 and was also offered in 3D in some markets, but it was not the first Cars film to receive that format.
Cars 2 was directed by John Lasseter and Brad Lewis. Its story centers on Mater's involvement in espionage while McQueen competes in the World Grand Prix, making it structurally different from the racing-and-community focus of Cars and the career story of Cars 3.