Hear that? That's the sound of engines revving up for the release of Cars 3.
On Monday, Disney/Pixar released the first teaser trailer for the third chapter in the popular film series. So, what can fans expect this time around? According to the film's official synopsis, Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is "blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers" and finds himself "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!"
The Cars franchise has been a massive success. The first two films, released in 2006 and 2011, earned over $1 billion combined at the box office—making a third installment all but inevitable
So, what do we know about Lighting McQueen's new sidekick? "Cruz Ramirez is trying to figure out how this old dog can learn some new tricks," director Brian Fee told USA Today in May. As for the lead stock car—based on Chevrolet Corvette (C6)—"Think of where he'd be in his career now in real time," Fee teased. "[McQueen] is not an old man, but he's one of the older cars on the circuit with new rookies coming in. People start to wonder and ask when he might retire."
Lighting McQueen a quitter? Say it ain't so!
Rest assured, he's still ready to race. "McQueen is in a position where his entire racing generation is being pushed out," Fee said. "But it's too early to be shown the door right now."
But will McQueen push himself too far in an effort to keep the rookies at bay? In the teaser trailer, he crashes and burns, and his fate will remain a mystery until the movie opens in June.
Cars 3 will also feature fans' favorite characters from Radiator Springs, including Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), Sally Carrera (Bonnie Hunt) and Ramone (Cheech Marin), among many others.