The world of Radiator Springs is coming back to the small screen in a big way. Disney Junior has offered the first look at Cars: Lightning Racers, a brand-new animated series that will bring Lightning McQueen and Mater back alongside a fresh set of teammates. The first look debuted at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival, generating buzz among animation fans worldwide.
First Look at Cars: Lightning Racers Revealed at Annecy
Annecy is one of the most important events in the animation calendar, and Disney Junior chose the festival to unveil Cars: Lightning Racers to the world in a Work In Progress panel on June 25, 2026. The new series features the return of the beloved characters Lightning McQueen and Mater, voiced once again by Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy, joined by two new teammates: a thrill-seeking drag car named Pipes and a mud-loving monster truck named Miles. Produced by Disney Television Animation in association with Pixar, the series is targeting a July 2027 premiere on Disney Jr. and Disney+.
The Annecy first look suggests that Cars: Lightning Racers will carry a colorful, high-energy visual style, though with a more stylized, cartoonish redesign of the familiar characters tailored to a preschool audience. Disney Junior has built a strong track record of producing animated series that capture the spirit of beloved Pixar properties, and Lightning Racers looks set to continue that tradition.
The Cars Franchise Rolls On
The Cars franchise has been a cornerstone of Pixar’s output since the original film debuted in 2006, and June 2026 marks its 20th anniversary. With two theatrical sequels, the beloved Mater’s Tall Tales shorts, and the Cars on the Road Disney+ series, Lightning McQueen and his friends have maintained a devoted fanbase across generations. Cars: Lightning Racers represents the next chapter in that journey, specifically tailored for the Disney Junior audience.
The new teammates joining McQueen and Mater add an exciting element of freshness to the series. New characters are always a great opportunity to introduce young viewers to themes of teamwork, friendship, and perseverance, all hallmarks of the Cars franchise at its best.
Cars: Lightning Racers is set to premiere on Disney Junior and Disney+ in 2027. For more Pixar news, check out our coverage of the new Loving Dory theatrical short also revealed at Annecy.
For the latest news and updates make sure to follow us on social media! Facebook | Twitter | Threads | Instagram
