All aboard for a Cars 2 Update !

We'll have a Cars 2 update today, and let's begin with the new trailer released last sunday during the NASCAR Daytona 500 broadcast. It includes lot of never seen before footage, so don't miss it.



Almost every day Pixar announces new Cars 2 characters and here is a choice of the one i like. All pictures are in high-res as usual. The first one shows British secret agent Finn McMissile, on the picture below with Mater at Tokyo airport terminal.



John Lasseter is getting his own Cars character - called John Lassetire. Lasseter who was surprised by the honor said: "It was news to me. I did not know about that, so I was a little surprised. I ended up voicing this character. It was just one line, but now I have a Cars character. I'm very excited about that".



Two new Italian characters called Uncle and Aunt Topolino living near Porto Corsa in the small village of Santa Ruotina are Luigi's favorite uncle and aunt.



"Uncle Topolino is the owner of the village’s tire shop, where he taught Luigi and Guido everything they know, though Uncle Topolino is full of sage advice about more than just tires. Mama Topolino, is a masterful cook with the best fuel in the village of Santa Ruotina, near Porto Corsa, Italy. Though she has a loving, but fiery relationship with her husband, Uncle Topolino, she shows her love and generosity for both family and friends by feeding everyone her renowned delizioso fuel".



You'll notice the private joke with the Topolino name as Topolino is the Italian name of Mickey Mouse!

Those of you who visit regularly the excellent Pixar fans web sites are aware that for each new character Pixar also release a short video on which the character introduces himself on a "turning table". Pixar did a real good job on these as you quickly guess each character's personnality. Here is a selection of my favorites and let's begin by two characters who don't need to be introduced, i.e Lightning McQueen and Mater.





Next one is Shu Todoroki, a prototype racer representing Japan and bearing #7 in the World Grand Prix. "Shu was raised at the base of the active Mount Asama volcano in Japan, and soon became a champion on the Suzuka Circuit. His sleek design sports a fiery red Ka-Riu dragon, which Shu borrowed from Japanese legend because he relates to the small, yet fierce nature of the dragon. His team legacy is filled with victories – his coach, a Mazda, was the only Japanese car to ever win at Le Mans – and Shu hopes to prove his champion-level racing on the international stage of the World Grand Prix".



Another italian character is Francesco Bernoulli "who grew up in the shadow of the famous Monza race course in Italy where he and his friends would sneak onto the track and race the famous Pista di Alta Velocita bank turn. He was an instant winner on the amateur circuit and soon became an international Formula Racer champion. The ladies love Francesco’s open wheels, youngsters look up to his winning spirit and fellow racers envy his speed. But Francesco’s biggest fan is Francesco himself, as evidenced by his racing number. As the most famous race car in Europe, #1 Francesco is a favorite to win the World Grand Prix, which also makes him McQueen’s chief rival".



Raoul ÇaRoule, "Known as the ‘World’s Greatest Rally Car”, if the French character. And believe me, he really looks French in his behaviour! "A restless soul, Raoul joined the famous ‘Cirque du Voiture’ French circus where he learned Gymkhana – a graceful, drift-filled motorsport that taught him pinpoint timing and an unparalleled ability to navigate tricky courses with ease. He’s the first car to ever win nine consecutive rallies. Raoul is confident he can use his rally experience to pull ahead of his fellow World Grand Prix racers during the three courses’ touchy dirt sections, especially with his fans in the stands waving banners that read ‘ÇaRoule Ca-Rules!’"



Next one from my selection is Carla Veloso, a Brazilian racecar, dancing samba on the turning table! "Updated World Grand Prix contender Carla Veloso hails from Rio de Janiero, Brazil. The sweet but powerful Latin diva can dance the night away at “Car-nival,” but spends most of her time on the racetrack. In the World Grand Prix, the proud Brazilian Le Motor Prototype racer is the only female in the field, and Carla is ready to prove to the world that #8 is there to win for her home country".



Let's end with a brilliant one, the secret agent Finn McMissile turning table. He introduces himself in a "James Bond" way.



Talking about Finn Mc Missile, the toys based on his character are gonna sell like crazy next fall. Anyone who remember how many million copies Corgi Toys sold of the James Bond "Goldfinger" Aston Martin in the 1960's could tell you this! It was a huge merchandise hit back then and i predict the same for all Finn McMissile toys, you will understand why easily with a look at the pictures below.





You will have the choice between different McMissile toys, the first one above will be done by Spin Master - who will also release a McMissile car climbing on a wall (!) - and will come at a price of $49.99. The other one below will be manufactured by Mattel and will have a retail price of $29.99. Both are fully loaded with “top secret” spy weapons, projectile missiles, sound effects, and thrilling transformations and truly embodies all of McMissile’s gadgetry.





Here is a video where the great actor Michael Caine - Finn McMissile's voice - introduce the Spin Master toy.



Mattel plans to introduce more than 150 "Cars 2" toys this fall and also the new and interesting "Lightning McQueen Alive". Lightning McQueen's big personality will be captured in a small package as he'll be able to drives around by himself — both forward and backward and in complete 360s, moves his eyes, shrugs his shoulders and moves his life-like mouth to speak signature phrases voiced by actor Owen Wilson.



Lightning McQueen Alive will say over 40 phrases and squeals his tires and interacts with you. When Lightning McQueen will needs to refuel after a long day’s play, you will simply place him back on the included gas station charger to refresh his batteries. Released next october at a price of $59.99 and already available for pre-order HERE. Here is two hands-on videos of the prototype .





That's it for today's Cars 2 update, hope you've enjoyed it!

Pictures and videos: copyright Disney-Pixar