Disney Cars 2 Toys and Press Release

Disney has sent out a Toy Fair 2011 press release. The new release details their plans for the toys based on Disney Pixar’s Cars 2 movie. There are numerous new vehicles and play sets on the way.

See the full press release and the photos by clicking the headline of the story. Warning: Massive wall of text!

Disney Reveals Innovative Cars 2 Toy Line & New Film Characters At 2011 American International Toy Fair

With Special Appearances by Cars 2 Stars: Michael Caine And Emily Mortimer

NEW YORK, NY — Feb. 14, 2011 — Disney revved its engines and kicked off American International Toy Fair today as it unveiled the all new Disney·Pixar Cars 2 toy line of more than 300 toys before a capacity crowd of toy industry insiders and members of D23, Disney’s official fan community. Academy Award®-winning actor Michael Caine, voice of the charming and eloquent new Cars 2 British agent Finn McMissile and actress Emily Mortimer, voice of his spy-in-training Holley Shiftwell, were on hand for a panel discussion and were presented with custom-built toys celebrating their Cars 2 characters. From toys that interact, speak, and climb up walls to new collectable die-cast and buildable play sets, the new Cars line-up is packed with creativity and innovation. The hottest toys at Toy Fair and this year’s most anticipated, new Cars toys unveiled at the event included: Mattel’s Lightning McQueen Alive, The LEGO Group’s Spy Jet Escape, and Spin Master’s Zero Gravity Finn McMissile radio control vehicle. The event culminated with a reception showcasing the hundreds of new toys that will release this May and into the holiday season, plus a sneak peek at the upcoming multi-platform Cars 2: The Video Game and a first look at a life-size Finn McMissile car. Cars 2 hits the track June 24 and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and in IMAX® 3D in select theaters.

In less than five years since the film’s release in 2006, the Cars franchise has generated global retail sales of more than $8 billion — making it among Disney’s top franchises and quickly establishing itself as a true classic. This momentum will go into high gear as Cars 2 becomes what Disney Consumer Products expects to be its largest licensed film merchandise program ever. The program is anchored by an array of innovative toys featuring the film’s World Grand Prix race and international espionage themes. Cars 2 will also be supported with unprecedented product lines from stationery, apparel and accessories to home décor, books, and food, health and beauty, and an exclusive range from Disney Store and DisneyStore.com.

Returning to the driver’s seat to direct Cars 2, John Lasseter, surprised guests via a special videotaped greeting and revealed John Turturro as the voice of new character and Lightning McQueen rival, Francesco Bernoulli. “The idea for Cars 2 began when I was traveling around the world doing publicity for Cars. I found myself looking out at these amazing cities and imagining, ‘what would Mater do?’ I couldn’t help but laugh thinking about Mater lost in the maze of Tokyo streets, driving on the wrong side of the road in England or navigating the gigantic roundabouts in Paris,” Lasseter said. “I’m sure fans and collectors will be as thrilled as I was to see these new adventures come to life in this exciting toy line, which features some of the most amazing technology out there.”

At the event, Disney also revealed two additional new Cars 2 characters: Miles Axlerod, voiced by the talented Eddie Izzard, is a former oil baron who has sold off his fortune, converted himself into an electric vehicle and devoted his life to finding the renewable, clean-burning energy source of the future — he’s also the car behind the World Grand Prix; and Nigel Gearsley, an Aston Martin DB9R racer bearing #9. His cool British refinement makes him an imposing presence on the World Grand Prix courses.

With more than 200 million Cars die-cast vehicles sold worldwide to date, innovation was critical to keep the new Cars toy line fresh. Disney challenged the best in the toy industry including Mattel, The LEGO Group, Spin Master and Hasbro to deliver the next generation of Cars toys. The resulting line includes new innovations such as Lightning McQueen Alive (sneak peek demo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djVlI-pqtVM) which which was unveiled at the event and is the first toy of its kind to utilize touch sensors and cutting-edge micro technology to capture the look, sound, moves and animated personality of everyone’s favorite red racer with never-before-seen features in a 1:55 scale car.

“The first Cars film has been a phenomenon because kids love the characters and racing. Cars 2 not only has great racing, but it also has a spy twist that is pure toy bliss,” said Vince Klaseus, senior vice president of Global Toys, Disney Consumer Products. “Cars 2 is our largest toy line yet with more 300 new toys and it offers something for everyone — we have cars that can be dramatically customized in wild and expressive ways, cars that transform and even cars that climb walls.”

– Mattel will introduce more than 150 toys including Lightning McQueen Alive. Fans will be in awe to see Lightning McQueen’s big personality captured in a small package as he 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 (SRP $59.99, available Fall 2011; on pre-sale now at http://www.mattycollector.com/LightningMcQueen). Plus, fans will enjoy a collection of more than 70 new collectible die-cast cars (SRP $3.99 – $9.99, available May 2011).

– The LEGO Group will introduce its first full line of Cars toys consisting of 20 versatile and action-packed play sets recreating key scenes from the film — play sets so detailed that some come with as many as 800 pieces! Among the new line is the Cars 2 Spy Jet Escape, which enables fans to recreate one of the film’s most exciting and explosive scenes featuring Finn McMissile, Holley Shiftwell and Mater (SRP $49.99, available May 2011).

– Spin Master will introduce a collection of over a dozen toys including RC vehicles featuring Zero Gravity technology, such as the Zero Gravity Finn McMissile vehicle. Fans can bring this British spy home for hours of intriguing play as Finn McMissile zips across the floor, and front wheels allow it to transition up the wall to continue the adventure (SRP $34.99 available May 2011).

– Other notable products include: Hasbro classic board games with a twist such as Cars 2 Monopoly with a round board where players can race Lightning McQueen instead of rolling the dice; Ridemakerz which will deliver a new Cars customizing experience giving fans the thrill of a ride as they build their own vehicle; and the new Disney·Pixar Cars Wood Collection from Toys”R”Us, Disney’s first Cars-inspired wooden toy line.

Disney Interactive Studios also unveiled Cars 2: The Video Game, allowing Toy Fair guests the first test drive in the Cars universe, complete with a brand new international spy theme inspired by the animated feature film. Cars 2: The Video Game will feature an array of beloved Cars characters competing in action-packed spy adventures, as well as world-class racing.

About the Cars Franchise

Released in 2006, Disney·Pixar’s feature film Cars has become a leading boys’ franchise generating an impressive $2 billion in annual global retail sales for a total of $8B to date. Winner of the Golden Globe® for Best Animated Feature, Cars went on to gross $462 million in global box office sales. It’s supported across The Walt Disney Company through films including the highly anticipated release of Cars 2 in Disney Digital 3D, consumer products, live theater productions, park attractions including Cars Land planned for launch in 2012, music, a web site http://www.disney.com/cars, TV including the popular series of short form content: Cars Toons, home entertainment, video games — including Cars and the upcoming June release of Cars 2: The Video Game supporting all major platforms, a virtual world http://www.WorldofCars.com, and books — with more than 75 new titles releasing throughout 2011 domestically, in addition to more titles on digital books and mobile applications.

Lightning McQueen Alive!

Manufacturer: Mattel

SRP: $49.99

Retailers: Mass retailers

Available: Fall 2011

With a simple touch sensor, everyone‟s favorite Cars racer comes to life with Lightning McQueen Alive. Featuring never before seen innovation in 1:55 scale, Lightning McQueen Alive packs big personality in a small package utilizing cutting-edge micro technology. Ready to interact with kids and collectors, Lightning McQueen can drive around all by himself, both forwards backwards and complete 360s. He can move his eyes, shrug his shoulders and his lifelike moving mouth captures all the on-screen magic as Lightning McQueen Alive says his signature phrases. When Lightning McQueen needs to refuel after a long day‟s play, simply place him back on the included gas station charger to refresh his batteries.

Secret Agent Finn McMissile

Manufacturer: Mattel

SRP: $29.99

Retailers: Mass retailers

Available: May 2011

Secret Agent Finn McMissile sneaks onto the racing scene fully loaded with “top secret” spy weapons, projectile missiles, sound effects, and thrilling transformations. This item truly embodies all of Finn McMissile‟s gadgetry. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to help Finn find and capture massive amounts of fun.

Cars 2 Die Cast Vehicles

Manufacturer: Mattel

SRP: $3.99 each

Retailers: Mass retailers

Available: May 2011

Lightning McQueen, Mater and a host of friends old and new make up the new collection of Cars 2 die cast vehicles. Highly collectible, they also offer hours of action-packed fun for kids who can play out key scenes from the film.

Cars 2 Tokyo Spin-Out Track Set

Manufacturer: Mattel

SRP: $29.99

Retailers: Mass retailers

Available: May 2011

Speed, jump and spin with the Cars 2 Tokyo Spinout Track Set and be part of Lightning McQueen‟s stunt defying race. Load up two Cars vehicles into the dual launchers and the action begins! Watch as the launched Cars vehicles race toward the elevated spinning platform attempting to be spun high above the roaring river below and speed to safety. Only one car can claim victory while the other gets spun out of control and off the track. Set includes one die-cast Cars vehicle. Combine this track set with the Porta Corsa Challenge Track Set and the Mater‟s Airport Escape Track Set (sold separately) for more racing fun.

Cars 2 Spy Jet Escape

Manufacturer: LEGO

SRP: $49.99

Retailers: Mass retailers

Available: May 2011

Cars 2 is packed with great racing action beloved by fans of the original film. But in this adventure, Mater becomes embroiled in international espionage! British spies Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell help Mater uncover the mystery. In this play set from LEGO, fans can recreate one of the film‟s most exciting and explosive scenes.

Cars 2 International Racing Circuit

Manufacturer: LEGO

SRP: $89.99

Retailers: Mass retailers

Available: May 2011

Enjoy hours of fun building out racing scenes from Cars 2. Build out the starting gate, race Lightning McQueen against his international rivals or maneuver Mater around as he tries to help his best friend win.

Cars 2 Ultimate Build

Manufacturer: LEGO

SRP: $29.99 each

Retailers: Mass retailers

Available: May 2011

These LEGO sets allow fans to build their favorite characters with great detail. Fans can choose from favorite Piston Cup winner Lightning McQueen, international racing superstar Francesco Bernoulli and loveable sidekick Mater.

Cars 2 World Grand Prix Racing Rivalry

Manufacturer: LEGO

SRP: $14.99

Retailers: Target exclusive

Available: May 2011

Cars 2 World Grand Prix Racing Rivalry play set from LEGO brings home the international racing action with Lightning McQueen and his top rival, Francesco Bernoulli. Pit the two racers against each other and let the fastest racer win!

Transitioning Zero-G Finn McMissile Vehicle

Manufacturer: Spin Master

SRP: $39.99

Retailers: Mass retailers

Available: May 2011

Bring this British spy home for hours of intriguing play. With his unique transitioning ability, Finn McMissile can drive on any flat surface and transition on to the wall…then back again! Race along the walls using zero gravity Air Hogs technology from Spin Master.

Missile-Firing Finn McMissile Vehicle

Manufacturer: Spin Master

SRP: $44.99

Retailers: Mass retailers

Available: May 2011

Finn McMissile is full of tricks with this souped-up spy vehicle. Transform to Missile-Firing Finn McMissile with the touch of a button. Fire payload of four missiles remotely. Authentic character voice spoken from remote. Take aim at targets featuring the “lemons.”

1:24 Francesco RC Vehicle

Manufacturer: Spin Master

SRP: $24.99

Retailers: Mass retailers

Available: May 2011

1:24th scale R/C Francesco Bernoulli comes to life with moving eyes that look where you steer! Full Function RF Remote Control for indoor or outdoor play. Drive forward, reverse, left and right. Comes ready-to-run with all required batteries.

Cars Wood Vehicle 2-Packs

Manufacturer: Toys “R” Us

SRP: $16.99

Retailers: Toys “R” Us exclusive

Available: Now

Kids can collect all of their favorite Cars characters in special two-pack sets, including old favorites from the original film and new characters from Cars 2. Available exclusively at Toys “R” Us, these premium wood vehicles are compatible with most wooden track sets. The 3-inch vehicles move easily on most surfaces.

Cars Wood Sheriff’s Race n’ Chase Track Set

Manufacturer: Toys “R” Us

SRP: $49.99

Retailers: Toys “R” Us exclusive

Available: Now

Cars fans will be delighted to relive one of the film‟s classic scenes – when Lightning McQueen first raced through Radiator Springs frantically searching for Mack with Sheriff hot on his bumper! This set includes a special edition metallic Lightning McQueen vehicle, a Sheriff vehicle, a Radiator Springs billboard sign for Sheriff to hide behind, a race „n chase ramp, interchangeable track pieces and four tires.

Pair with Tow Mater‟s Yard play set or Luigi‟s Casa Della Tires play set (sold separately) to bring Radiator Springs to life.

Ridemakerz Customized Vehicles

Manufacturer: Ridemakerz

SRP: $2.99 and up accessories, $12.99 and up vehicle body and chassis

Retailers: Toys “R” Us, Disney Store

Available: Now

These do-it-yourself vehicles spark creativity and offer plenty of high-octane fun for fans to create a one-of-a-kind, 12-inch car inspired by the film. Whether the building experience at Disney Store or grab-n-go customization option available at Toys “R” Us, fans can choose their own body style, colors, undercarriage, tires, lights and sounds, accessories and even decals. Add the radio control option for the ultimate driving experience.

Cars 2 Monopoly

Manufacturer: Hasbro

SRP: $19.99

Retailers: Mass retailers

Available: Spring 2011

MONOPOLY: Cars 2 Edition is totally new and unlike any MONOPOLY game seen yet! The game board has been made into a round racetrack that also serves as the game dice in this exciting take on the classic game. This child-friendly edition of MONOPOLY gives the younger real estate moguls in training a chance to face off and race to the finish line by outsmarting and out-bidding opponents with this special Cars 2 edition. Circle around the game board to become the wealthiest player by buying, trading and renting properties. The last player left standing without going bankrupt is the winner.