Lego ''Cars'' (stylized as ''LEGO Cars'') is a

Lego theme A Lego theme is a product line of Lego construction toys produced by The Lego Group based on a central concept. Before 1978, Lego produced several construction sets with common themes, but they were not necessarily branded as part of a single s ...

based on the

Disney The Walt Disney Company, commonly referred to as simply Disney, is an American multinational mass media and entertainment industry, entertainment conglomerate (company), conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios (Burbank), Walt Di ...

Pixar Pixar (), doing business as Pixar Animation Studios, is an American animation studio based in Emeryville, California, known for its critically and commercially successful computer-animated feature films. Pixar is a subsidiary of Walt Disney ...

's ''Cars'' film franchise created by

John Lasseter John Alan Lasseter ( ; born January 12, 1957) is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and animator. He was previously the chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Disneytoon Studios, a ...

Joe Ranft Joseph Henry Ranft (March 13, 1960 – August 16, 2005) was an American animator, screenwriter, and voice actor. He worked for Pixar Animation Studios and Disney at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Television Animation. His younger broth ...

and

Jorgen Klubien Jorgen Klubien (born 20 May 1958) is a Danish animator, storyboard artist, writer and musician. He has worked on Disney films, including ''The Nightmare Before Christmas'' (1993), ''The Lion King'' (1994), ''A Bug's Life'' (1998), ''Cars'' (2006 ...

. It was licensed from

The Walt Disney Company The Walt Disney Company, commonly referred to as simply Disney, is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was founded on October 16 ...

and

. The theme was first introduced in 2010 for ''Duplo Cars'' sub-theme based on the ''

Cars A car, or an automobile, is a motor vehicle with wheels. Most definitions of cars state that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people rather than cargo. There are around one billio ...

'' film was released as part of the ''

Duplo Lego Duplo (trademarked as DUPLO and stylised in the logo as duplo) is a core product range of the construction toy Lego by The Lego Group, designed for children from to 5 years old. Duplo bricks are twice the size of traditional Lego bricks in ...

'' theme. In 2011, ''Lego Cars 2'' sub-theme based on the ''

Cars 2 ''Cars 2'' is a 2011 American animated spy comedy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. It is the sequel to '' Cars'' (2006), the second film in the ''Cars'' franchise, and the 12th animated film from the studio ...

'' film was released as part of the '' Lego System'' and ''Duplo'' theme. In 2017, ''Lego Juniors Cars 3'' sub-theme based on the ''

Cars 3 ''Cars 3'' is a 2017 American animated sports comedy-adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. It is a sequel to '' Cars 2'' (2011) and the third film in the ''Cars'' franchise. It was directed by Brian Fe ...

'' film was released as part of the ''

Lego Juniors Lego Juniors (also known as ''Lego Jr.'' and stylized as ''LEGO Juniors'') is a discontinued product range of the construction toy Lego, designed for children aged 4 to 7 years old. It acted as a transition from the ''Duplo'' to the regular ''Leg ...

'' and ''Duplo'' theme.

Overview

''Lego Cars'' was based on the

's ''Cars'' film franchise, which focused on the story takes place in a world populated by

anthropomorphic Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. It is considered to be an innate tendency of human psychology. Personification is the related attribution of human form and characteristics to ...

talking cars and other vehicles. ''Lego Cars'' aimed to recreate the main characters in Lego form, including Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally Carrera, Doc Hudson, Ramone, Mack, Sheriff, Flo, Guido and Luigi. In addition, ''Lego Cars 2'' trailer was released on

YouTube YouTube is an American social media and online video sharing platform owned by Google. YouTube was founded on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim who were three former employees of PayPal. Headquartered in ...

shortly before the film, recreating it in Lego form. The sequel film, ''

'', was released in May 2017 on YouTube. Lego produced various toy sets based on the ''Cars 3'' film ahead of its release. In addition, ''Lego Juniors Cars 3'' trailer was released shortly before the film, recreating it in Lego form.

Development

''Lego Cars'' was inspired by ''Cars'' film franchise. The Lego construction toy range was based on the animated film franchise series and developed in collaboration with

Disney Consumer Products Disney Consumer Products, Inc. is the retailing and licensing subsidiary of the Disney Experiences segment of The Walt Disney Company. Previously, Consumer Products was a segment of Disney until 2016, then a unit of Disney Consumer Products and I ...

. The construction sets were designed to recreate the story and characters of the film in Lego form.

Launch

''Duplo Cars'' sub-theme was launched at the

American International Toy Fair The North American International Toy Fair (formerly the American International Toy Fair and also known as Toy Fair New York) is an annual toy industry trade show held in mid-February in New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and at to ...

in June 2010. The Lego Group released four Duplo sets based on the ''Cars'' film. Next year, ''Lego Cars 2'' sub-theme was launched at the American International Toy Fair in 2011. As part of the marketing campaign,

The Lego Group Lego A/S, also known as the Lego Group, is a Danish construction toy production company based in Billund. It manufactures Lego-branded toys, consisting mostly of interlocking ABS plastic and rubber bricks. The Lego Group has also built severa ...

released fourteen Lego sets based on the ''Cars 2'' film. Each set featured different World Grand Prix, vehicles and

Radiator Springs ''Cars'' is an American animated film series and media franchise set in a world populated by anthropomorphic vehicles created by John Lasseter, Joe Ranft and Jorgen Klubien. The franchise began with the 2006 film, ''Cars'', produced by Pixar ...

. ''Lego Juniors Cars 3'' sub-theme was launched at the American International Toy Fair in 2017. The Lego Group released eight Lego Juniors sets and three Duplo sets based on the ''Cars 3'' film.

Characters

* Mater: A Southern-accented

tow truck A tow truck (also called a wrecker, a breakdown truck, recovery vehicle or a breakdown lorry) is a truck used to move disabled, improperly parked, Vehicle impoundment, impounded, or otherwise indisposed motor vehicles. This may involve recoverin ...

from Radiator Springs. *

Lightning McQueen Lightning McQueen is a fictional anthropomorphic stock car and the protagonist of the Disney/Pixar ''Cars'' franchise. He was developed by John Lasseter and co-director Joe Ranft from a story concept by Jorgen Klubien. Lightning's appearances ...

: A Piston Cup racecar. *

Doc Hudson ''Cars'' is a media franchise including the 2006 film ''Cars'', the 2011 film ''Cars 2'', the 2017 film '' Cars 3'', the 2022 series '' Cars on the Road'', the 2013 film '' Planes'', and the 2014 film '' Planes: Fire & Rescue''. This page is a lis ...

: A 1951

Hudson Hornet ''For the NASCAR car, see Fabulous Hudson Hornet.'' The Hudson Hornet is a full-size car manufactured by Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan from 1951 until 1954, when Nash-Kelvinator and Hudson merged to form American Motors Corpor ...

who is later revealed to be the

Fabulous Hudson Hornet The Fabulous Hudson Hornet is a famous NASCAR Grand National Series and AAA stock car campaigned during the early 1950s that was produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company. Several drivers, including Marshall Teague and Herb Thomas, drove Huds ...

. * Sally Carrera: A 2002 996-series

Porsche 911 The Porsche 911 model series (pronounced ''Nine Eleven'' or in ) is a family of German two-door, high performance Rear-engine design, rear-engine sports cars, introduced in September 1964 by Porsche, Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany. Now in it ...

Carrera. *

Luigi Luigi (; ) is a character created by Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Part of Nintendo's ''Mario'' franchise, he is a kind-hearted, cowardly Italian plumber, and the younger fraternal twin brother and sidekick of Mario. Like ...

: A 1959

Fiat 500 The Fiat 500 (, ) is an Economy car, economy / city car that was manufactured and marketed by Fiat Automobiles from 1957 until 1975. It was sold as a two-door semi-convertible or saloon car and as a three-door panel van or estate car. Launched ...

. * Ramone: A 1959

Chevrolet Impala The Chevrolet Impala () is a full-size car that was built by Chevrolet for model years 1958 to 1985, 1994 to 1996, and 2000 to 2020. The Impala was Chevrolet's popular flagship passenger car and was among the better-selling American-made auto ...

Lowrider A lowrider or low rider is a customized car with a lowered body that emerged among Mexican American youth in the 1940s. ''Lowrider'' also refers to the driver of the car and their participation in lowrider car clubs, which remain a part of Chi ...

. *

Sheriff A sheriff is a government official, with varying duties, existing in some countries with historical ties to England where the office originated. There is an analogous, although independently developed, office in Iceland, the , which is common ...

: A 1949 Mercury Club Coupe (police package). * Fillmore: A 1960 VW Bus. * Sarge: A 1941

Willys Willys (pronounced , "Willis") was a brand, brand name used by Willys–Overland Motors, an American automobile company, founded by John Willys, John North Willys. It was best known for its design and production of World War II–era Willys MB, ...

model jeep, in the style used by the

US Military The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. U.S. federal law names six armed forces: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and the Coast Guard. Since 1949, all of the armed forces, except th ...

. *

Flo Flo or FLO may refer to: People * Flo (name), a list of people with the name Flo * Flo, nickname of LB1, a ''Homo floresiensis'' fossil Places * Flo, Norway, a village near Stryn, Vestland * Flo, Sweden, a historic parish near Grästorp, ...

: A 1957

General Motors Motorama The General Motors Motorama was an auto show staged by GM from 1949 to 1961. These automobile extravaganzas were designed to whet public appetite and boost automobile sales with displays of fancy concept cars and other special or halo models. Mo ...

show car. *

Guido Guido is a given name. It has been a male first name in Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Argentina, the Low Countries, Scandinavia, Spain, Portugal and Latin America, as well as other places with migration from those. Regarding origins, there ...

: A custom

forklift A forklift (also called industrial truck, lift truck, jitney, hi-lo, fork truck, fork hoist, and forklift truck) is a powered industrial truck used to lift and move materials over short distances. The forklift was developed in the early 20th c ...

, resembling an

Isetta The Isetta is an Italian-designed microcar initially manufactured in 1953 by the Italian firm Iso (automobile), Iso SpA, and subsequently built under license in a number of different countries, including Argentina, Spain, Belgium, France, Brazil ...

at the front who speaks only in Italian. * Mack (Cars), Mack: A 1985 Mack Super-Liner. * Red (Cars), Red: A 1960s style fire engine (most closely resembles a mid-1960s) and Jerry Recycled Batteries, the mean Peterbilt truck whom Lightning McQueen mistakes for Mack while lost. * Finn McMissile: A British spy car. * Holley Shiftwell: A beautiful young British desk agent, new to field work. * Francesco Bernoulli: McQueen's main racing rival from Italy. * Professor Zündapp: The doctor from Germany, Axlerod's assistant. * Grem (Cars), Grem and Acer (Cars), Acer: Professor Zündapp's henchmen. * Elizabeth II, The Queen: A classic Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, Rolls-Royce Phantom car watching the race from Buckingham Palace. She knights Mater for his bravery in foiling Axlerod's plot. Her roof racks are made to look like a crown. * Rod "Torque" Redline An American spy car. * List of Cars characters#Cruz Ramirez, Cruz Ramirez: Lightning McQueen's trainer. * List of Cars characters#Smokey, Smokey: Doc Hudson's former mechanic and crew chief. * List of Cars characters#Harv "Rust eze", Harv: A Lightning McQueen's Agent and the new Rust-eze team owner. * List of Cars characters#Jackson Storm, Jackson Storm: McQueen's new racing rival.

Construction sets

According to BrickLink,

released a total of 20 sets of ''Duplo Cars'', 27 sets and promotional polybags associated with ''Lego Cars 2'' and 8 sets of ''Lego Juniors Cars 3''.

''Duplo Cars'' sets

In 2010,

announced a partnership with

and

. It was officially announced by The Lego Group that the four sets based on the ''

'' film was released on 4 June 2010 have been released as part of the ''

'' theme. The four sets being released were Lightning McQueen, Mater's Yard, Flo's V-8 Cafe and Mack's Road Trip!. In 2011, the six sets based on the ''Cars 2'' film was released on 12 May 2011. The six sets being released were Agent Mater, Luigi's Italian Place, Tokyo Racing, Big Bentley, The Pit Shop and World Grand Prix. In 2012, the three sets was released on 24 July 2012. The three sets being released were Red, Race Day and Siddeley Saves the Day. In 2015, Classic Race set was released on 1 January 2015. The set consists of 29 pieces. In 2017, three sets based on the ''

'' film. The 3 sets being released were Flo's Café, Mater's Shed and Piston Cup Race. In 2020, Lightning McQueen's Race Day set was released on 24 August 2020. The set consists of 42 pieces. Later, The Lego Group announced the Lightning McQueen's Race Day set was retired at the end of 31 December 2021. In 2023, Lightning McQueen & Mater's Car Wash Fun set was released on 1 January 2023. The set consists of 29 pieces. Buildable characters including Doc Hudson, Guido, Fillmore, Flo, Luigi, Lightning McQueen, Mack, Mater, Red, Sally Carrera and Sheriff were released as well. These sets are twice the length, height, and width of traditional Lego bricks, making them easier to handle and less likely to be swallowed by younger children. Despite their size, they are still compatible with traditional Lego bricks. The sets were designed primarily for children aged 2 to 5 years old.

''Lego Cars 2'' sets

In 2011, it was officially announced that the fourteen sets based on the ''

'' film was released on 12 May 2011. The fourteen sets being released were Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen, Radiator Springs Classic Mater, Tokyo Pit Stop, World Grand Prix Racing Rivalry, Mater's Spy Zone, Escape At Sea, Ultimate Build Lightning McQueen, Mack's Team Truck, Flo's V8 Café, Spy Jet Escape, Big Bentley Bust Out, Ultimate Build Mater, Ultimate Build Francesco and Tokyo International Circuit. Later, the eight sets was released on 16 December 2011. The eight sets being released were Francesco Bernoulli, Ivan Mater, Finn McMissile, Jeff Gorvette, Agent Mater's Escape, Red's Water Rescue, Ultimate Race Set and Oil Rig Escape. In addition, the three polypag sets have been released as a promotions are Guido, Grem and "Torque" Redline Promotional Set. Buildable characters including Acer, Battleboat, Carla Veloso, Crane, Francesco Bernoulli, Finn McMissile, Holley Shiftwell, Jeff Gorvette, Grem, Leland Turbo cube, Miles Axlerod, Professor Zundapp, Pit Crew Helper, Rod "Torque" Redline, Raoule CaRoule, Max Schnell, Shu Todoroki, The Queen and Tony Trihull were released as well. The sets were designed primarily for children aged 5 to 12 years old.

''Lego Juniors Cars 3'' sets

In 2017, the seven sets based on the ''

'' film was released on 2 May 2017 have also been released as part of the ''

'' theme. The seven sets being released were Lightning McQueen Speed Launcher, Cruz Ramirez Race Simulator, Guido and Luigi's Pit Stop, Mater's Junkyard, Willy's Butte Speed Training, Smokey's Garage and Thunder Hollow Crazy 8 Race. Later, Florida 500 Final Race set was released on 1 August 2017. The set consists of 266 pieces. Buildable characters including Broadside, Cruz Ramirez, Junior Moon, Jackson Storm, Miss Fritter and Smokey were released as well. These sets were specifically designed to be simpler to build with fewer pieces and slightly larger building elements. The sets were designed primarily for children aged 4 to 7 years old.

Web shorts

The product line was accompanied by a series of animated short films that was released on

''Lego Cars 2'' (2011 shorts)

The 13 web shorts have been released on YouTube inspired by both the ''Cars 2'' film as well as the Lego toyline. It also available in ''Lego Cars 2'' video disc as a free gift for qualify purchase of ''Cars 2'' Blu-ray combo pack at Toys "R" Us.

''Lego Cars 3'' (2017 shorts)

The 2 web shorts have been released on YouTube inspired by both the ''Cars 3'' film as well as the Lego toyline. * ''Cars 3 As Told By LEGO Bricks'' (2017) - An official web short was released on YouTube on 21 December 2017, that is inspired by both the Cars animated series as well as the Lego toyline. The film tells the story of Lightning McQueen, Cruz Ramirez and Jackson Storm. * ''Mater, Cruz Ramirez, Lightning McQueen and The Stig Race Europe'' (2018) - BBC, Disney and LEGO released a short film via YouTube, on 13 April 2018, that is inspired by both the Cars animated series as well as the popular TV series ''Top Gear (2002 TV series), Top Gear''. The film tells the story of Lightning McQueen's trip to the ''Top Gear'' track, where he achieves his dream of racing against the Stig.

Video game

Lego The Incredibles

A crossover Lego-themed action-adventure game, action-adventure video game named ''Lego The Incredibles'' was developed by TT Fusion. ''Lego The Incredibles'' was released by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on 15 June 2018 in North America and on 13 July 2018 in Europe. A macOS version of the game was released by Feral Interactive on 21 November 2018. It includes Lightning McQueen as a secret playable character.

Reception

In 2011, The Lego Group reported that due to the ''Lego Toy Story'', ''Lego Prince of Persia'', ''Lego Pirates of the Caribbean'' and ''Lego Cars 2'' lines, it had for the first time in its 50-year history in the American market surpassed $1.0 billion in consumer sales of Lego products, reaching its highest share of construction toys and total U.S. toy market ever.

Notes

References

External links

Official website
{{Portal bar, Disney, Cartoon, Animation Cars (franchise) Licensed Lego themes, Cars Lego themes licensed from Disney, Cars Products introduced in 2010