The Cars universe is getting ready to race back onto screens in a big way. On August 8, 2025, Disney Jr. officially announced a brand-new animated television series titled Cars: Lightning Racers. Set to premiere in 2027, the show will air on Disney Junior and stream on Disney+, bringing fresh characters, returning favorites, and high-speed adventures to a new generation of fans.
For those who grew up with Pixar’s beloved Cars movies—or for families just discovering Radiator Springs—this is huge news. Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming series.
What Is Cars: Lightning Racers?
Cars: Lightning Racers is a brand-new animated series set in the vibrant world of Radiator Springs, expanding the Cars franchise in exciting new ways. The show will reunite iconic characters Lightning McQueen and Mater while introducing new vehicles that are ready to hit the road.
New Characters Joining the Race
- Pipes – A thrill-seeking drag car voiced by Leah Lewis.
- Miles – A mud-loving monster truck voiced by Yuri Lowenthal.
- Ms. Blinker – A new character voiced by Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Alongside these new additions, fans can expect to see the same warm friendships, comedic rivalries, and adventurous spirit that have always defined the Cars franchise.
Returning Voices: Familiar Engines Back in the Garage
Pixar is bringing back the voices that fans know and love:
- Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen
- Larry the Cable Guy as Mater
- Tony Shalhoub as Luigi
- Cheech Marin as Ramone
- Bob Peterson as Chick Hicks
- John Ratzenberger as Mack
This returning cast ensures that Cars: Lightning Racers will feel like a true continuation of the films rather than just a spin-off.
Behind the Scenes
The new series is being produced by Disney Television Animation in association with Pixar, with an experienced creative team at the helm:
- Executive Producers – Travis Braun and Frank Montagna
- Story Editor – Dana Starfield
- Supervising Director – Nathan Chew
This team has worked on a variety of successful animated projects, giving fans confidence that the Cars universe is in good hands.
What We Know About the Story
While plot details are still under wraps, Disney has shared that the series will:
- Take place primarily in Radiator Springs.
- Focus on Lightning McQueen mentoring and racing with both old friends and new arrivals.
- Feature comedic and heartfelt adventures suitable for preschool audiences, but with enough nostalgic nods to keep longtime fans engaged.
- Include high-energy race sequences thanks to the addition of drag racing and monster truck events.
Why Cars: Lightning Racers Matters for the Franchise
The original Cars film debuted in 2006, followed by Cars 2 in 2011 and Cars 3 in 2017. Since then, the franchise has expanded into theme park attractions, merchandise, and short-form content like Cars on the Road (2022).
Cars: Lightning Racers will be the first long-form Cars television series, giving fans more time to explore characters, settings, and stories outside the movie format.
Why Fans Should Be Excited
1. Nostalgia Meets New Adventures
Longtime Cars fans will enjoy seeing Lightning, Mater, and the gang back in action, while kids will meet brand-new characters like Pipes, Miles, and Ms. Blinker.
2. Expanded Racing World
With drag cars, monster trucks, and other new vehicle types, the series promises to bring fresh energy to the racing scenes.
3. Top-Tier Voice Talent
Having the original cast return means the humor, chemistry, and personalities that made the movies memorable will carry over seamlessly.
4. High-Quality Animation
As a Disney Jr. and Disney+ co-production with Pixar involved, fans can expect vibrant visuals and smooth animation on par with the films.
The Strategy Behind the Series
Disney’s decision to launch the show on both Disney Jr. and Disney+ shows a dual audience strategy:
- Disney Jr. targets the preschool and early elementary demographic.
- Disney+ offers the series to a broader audience, including parents and nostalgic adult fans.
It’s also a smart move for franchise longevity, introducing younger viewers to Cars before they experience the original movies.
What This Could Mean for the Future of Cars
If Cars: Lightning Racers performs well, it could:
- Spark new merchandise lines tied to the series.
- Lead to additional seasons or spin-offs.
- Influence updates or additions to Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.
- Tie in with potential new Cars shorts or special episodes.
Given how merchandise-driven the Cars franchise is, it’s likely we’ll see new die-cast models, playsets, and apparel well ahead of the 2027 premiere.
Quick Facts: Cars: Lightning Racers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Cars: Lightning Racers |
| Premiere Year | 2027 |
| Platforms | Disney Junior & Disney+ |
| Returning Cast | Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Bob Peterson, John Ratzenberger |
| New Characters | Pipes (Leah Lewis), Miles (Yuri Lowenthal), Ms. Blinker (Sheryl Lee Ralph) |
| Setting | Radiator Springs |
| Producers | Travis Braun, Frank Montagna |
| Story Editor | Dana Starfield |
| Director | Nathan Chew |
| Studios | Disney Television Animation, Pixar |
What to Watch For Between Now and 2027
- Teaser Trailers and Art Reveals – Likely starting in late 2026.
- Merchandise Previews – Expect toys and die-cast cars tied to new characters.
- Behind-the-Scenes Features – Disney may release sneak peeks introducing the voice cast and animators.
- Crossovers with Other Cars Content – Short specials or Disney+ tie-ins could help build excitement.
Final Thoughts
With Cars: Lightning Racers, Disney and Pixar are bringing one of their most beloved worlds to a new generation in an all-new way. Returning fan favorites, brand-new characters, and the high-octane charm of the Cars universe make this series a must-watch for families and animation fans alike.
As the road to 2027 begins, fans can expect more details, sneak peeks, and plenty of collectible opportunities. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or the thrill of the race, Cars: Lightning Racers is set to be the next big chapter in Radiator Springs history.
