Disney is officially revving up a major evolution for Lightning McQueen and the rest of the Cars crew nearly 20 years after the franchise first rolled into theaters.
Pixar’s Cars universe is entering a new era, and it’s happening both on screen and inside the parks.
A new animated series titled Cars: Lightning Racers is set to premiere in 2027 as a Disney Jr. original, bringing Lightning McQueen and Mater back into the spotlight. Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy are returning to voice their respective characters, ensuring continuity with the blockbuster film trilogy. But while the voices remain the same, the visual presentation is taking a different route.
Rather than replicating Pixar’s glossy, highly detailed animation style that defined Cars (2006), Cars 2 (2011), and Cars 3 (2017), the upcoming series introduces a stylized look. Early previews showcase bold linework and heightened expressions, trading photorealistic environments for a design language that feels closer to illustrated storybooks and theme park artwork. The shift aligns with Disney Jr.’s younger demographic and reflects a broader strategy to make the franchise more approachable for new viewers.
It’s important to note that Lightning Racers is not Cars 4. Despite years of fan speculation about another theatrical sequel, this project continues the story in a television format rather than on the big screen. Even so, the decision to expand the franchise underscores its staying power and its ongoing commercial value across multiple platforms.
Disney shared the first official preview online, teasing what’s ahead for the racing icon and his tow truck best friend:
“EXCLUSIVE: Enjoy a first look at the upcoming Disney Junior animated series based on Pixar’s Cars franchise, Cars: Lightning Racers!
Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy are set to return as Lightning and Mater!
Start those engines as the series races to Disney+ next year!”
🚘EXCLUSIVE🚘: Enjoy a first look at the upcoming Disney Junior animated series based on Pixar's Cars franchise, Cars: Lightning Racers!
Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy are set to return as Lightning and Mater!
Start those engines as the series races to Disney+ next year! pic.twitter.com/3BRAnQKuEo
— The Garfield Movie News (@GarfieldMovNews) February 10, 2026
The series will stream on Disney+, further cementing Cars as a key player in Disney’s cross-platform content strategy.
While Lightning McQueen gears up for his small-screen return, Walt Disney World is preparing for a sweeping transformation tied to the same franchise.
Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is currently being reimagined to make room for Piston Peak National Park, a Cars-themed land inspired by America’s iconic national parks. The overhaul comes at a significant cost to longtime attractions: the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat have all closed to clear space for the ambitious project.
In their place, Imagineers are building a sprawling wilderness environment complete with rocky mountains, dense forests, waterfalls, and geothermal landscapes. The setting is not a recreation of Radiator Springs from Disney California Adventure but an entirely new locale within the Cars universe, crafted specifically for Florida.
Piston Peak National Park is expected to include at least two major attractions. One will reportedly feature a high-speed off-road rally adventure, taking guests into rugged terrain alongside familiar and newly introduced automotive characters. The second attraction is said to be more family-oriented, combining scenic storytelling elements with gentler thrills designed for a wider audience.
Concept art points to sweeping vistas and towering peaks that could rival some of the most elaborate lands in Magic Kingdom, blending the Americana spirit of Frontierland with the adventurous energy of Cars.
Taken together, the Disney Jr. series and the Magic Kingdom expansion reveal a coordinated effort to reposition Cars for its third decade. What began as a story about a cocky race car learning humility in a quiet desert town has expanded into a multimedia franchise spanning theatrical releases, streaming series, consumer products, and now one of the most significant theme park redevelopments in recent years.
For fans, the next chapter offers multiple ways to reconnect with Lightning McQueen—whether that’s through a stylized new series on Disney+ or by stepping into the wilderness of Piston Peak National Park at Walt Disney World.
How do you feel about this new look for the Cars characters? Let us know in the comments down below!
