'Cars 2' Revs Up With New Character Designs

By Michael Lopez

It’s not often that Pixar makes a sequel, so you can imagine the anticipation that is already building for this summer’s Cars 2. So far only their Toy Story series has branched out beyond one film, but by the looks of the new vehicles the animation company is unleashing for this movie, they’re revving up a Cars franchise as well.

Now featuring planes, Aston Martin spy cars, and a new four-wheeled love interest for Mater the tow truck, Cars 2 is heavy on international appeal. Set in countries like England, Japan, and Germany, the story has hero Lightning McQueen entering the World Grand Prix and competing on some of the most famous race tracks on the planet.

This past week, Disney unveiled an exclusive first peek at the rides that will be screeching out of the screen when the 3D movie hits theaters. Finn McMissile (voiced by Michael Caine) is adding a bit of espionage to the story and you can clearly tell by his character design. Sporting secret gun compartments and launchers in his front headlights, Pixar designers said they used James Bond as an influence during the creative process.

Holley Shiftwell (voiced by Emily Mortimer) was given a sparkly purple touch with her design. Also a British spy, she will definitely make an amusing romantic interest for Larry The Cable Guy’s Mater character.

Siddeley is taking the Cars franchise airborne as the first jet to be added to the cast. Voiced by Jason Isaacs, he’s also a British agent and promises to plenty of cool technology, like mach 1 speeds, cloaking devices, and defensive weaponry.

And don’t worry Blogamole fans, Cheech Marin’s lowrider Ramone will also be cruising along for another adventure. Still sporting orange flames and a sleek purple Chevy Impala design, we imagine he’ll give plenty of Latino flair to the World Grand Prix.

Cars 2 arrives in theaters June 24.

Who is your favorite character from Cars? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Cars, Cars 2, Disney, Lightning McQueen, Movies & CineMás, Pixar, Tr3s Exclusives