Cars 2 was the Pixar film that followed Toy Story 2 as a sequel using the number 2 in its title.
Released in 2011, Cars 2 was Pixar's second feature sequel and its first sequel after Toy Story 2 to place a numeric “2” directly in the title. The film arrived before later numbered sequels such as Monsters University, Finding Dory, and Incredibles 2, although those films use different naming patterns or came later.
Cars 2 shifts the franchise toward international espionage. Mater becomes central to the plot after being mistaken for an American spy, while Lightning McQueen enters the World Grand Prix. The story visits Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London.
The sequel was directed by John Lasseter and Brad Lewis. It remains distinct from Cars 3, which returned the focus to McQueen's career and was released six years later.