The new series will be targeted at a younger audience, rather than the typical all-ages target group for other Cars media to date.
First Glimpse of New Cars Series
Disney Jr. shared our first official look at the network’s upcoming Cars: Lightning Racers. The series was first announced back in August 2025 alongside a slew of other Disney Jr. projects.
The still image shows the four main characters of the show, namely Lightning McQueen and Mater, the leads of most other Cars films and projects, as they are joined by two newcomers, Miles the green monster truck, and Pipes the purple drag car. The four are seen pictured below the single blinking stoplight at the main Radiator Springs intersection, just at the corner of Luigi’s Casa Della Tires.
The new style is a notable departure from the aesthetic maintained by other Cars media to date. The characters are shown in smaller, cartoonish forms, more evocative of toy cars in shape and size, rather than somewhat realistically-proportioned vehicles in the series’ main films. The setting and background elements are relatively similar, perhaps a bit more vibrant, than how they appear in other productions.
Miles will be voiced by Yuri Lowenthal, a prolific voice actor across various cartoons and other Disney properties, and Leah Lewis, who recently starred in Pixar’s Elemental in the lead role as Ember Lumen.
Original Voice Cast Returns
Disney has also announced that much of the cast from the original Cars film will be reprising their roles in the new series. Reporting from Variety confirms that returning voice talent so far will include Bonnie Hunt as Sally, Jenifer Lewis as Flo, Guido Quaroni as Guido, Lloyd Sherr as Fillmore, Michael Wallis as Sheriff, and Paul Dooley as Sarge.
The latest confirmed castings follow previously announced leads Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy returning as Lightning McQueen and Mater. Additional returning performers include Tony Shalhoub (Luigi), Cheech Marin (Ramone), Bob Peterson (Wide Chick Pitty, later Chick Hicks in Cars 3), and John Ratzenberger (Mack).
The series is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ and Disney Jr. in 2027.
Judging by this first look, what do you think of the visual style for this new Cars series? Join the discussion with us on social media.
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