Cars 3 trailer from Pixar races onto the scene today

In the upcoming Pixar film “Cars 3,” Lightning McQueen faces twin opponents he may not be able to defeat – obscurity and obsolescence. A new generation of cars are relegating McQueen further down the winner charts and after a big crash McQueen enlists some help to get back to his old form. Parents will find a lot to identify with and kids are going to love seeing their favorite characters on the screen. We’re also introduced to Cruz Ramirez (voiced by Cristela Alonzo) who helps McQueen when he’s trying to figure out how he can win again in racing. It’s been six years since we last saw Cars on the big screen. Are you ready for a return to the races?

When I saw the extended preview for Cars 3 in the Cars 3 Road to the Races traveling show that’s touring the US right now, I was impressed by the extended scene at the Crazy Eight demolition derby, some of which you see in this trailer. Someone at Pixar has figured out how to make a 2D image so realistic it feels like the cars are jumping off the screen at you.

That said, this preview is a bit of a mis-direction. I don’t want to say too much without giving story away. Thankfully the trailer really plays it close to the chest.

The movie is a love letter to racing fans and the small track, sandy beach origins of stock car racing in the US. I think everyone is going to find something to love about this movie. Cars 3 opens June 16 at a racetrack cinema near you.

Meet the next generation of racing cars “Jackson Storm”

About the film:

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez, with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!

Cars (2006) and Cars 2 (2011) took in more than $1 billion combined at the box office. Cars won a golden globe for best animated feature and was nominated for a best animated feature Oscar.