Cars 2: The Essential Guide

Cars 2: The Essential Guide
File:File:Cars2essentialguide.jpg
Published	May 17th, 2011
Author	Steve Bynghall
Publisher	Dorling Kindersley

Cars 2: The Essential Guide is a book published by Dorling Kindersley on May 17, 2011. The book features essential information about Cars 2, including the film's characters, locations, and story.

Contents

Introduction

"LIFE IS GOOD FOR racing superstar Lightning McQueen. He has just won the Piston Cup for a fourth time and now he is heading back home to Radiator Springs for a well-earned rest. After an exhausting season burning rubber on the track, Lightning can't wait to hang out with Mater, Sally, and all of his friends.

However, instead of resting his tires in Radiator Springs, Lightning finds himself competing against the world's best race cars in the World Grand Prix. And it is all thanks to his best pal Mater! As Lightning travels from Tokyo to London, dreaming of winning the ultimate prize, all is not what it seems. It is up to Mater to save the day, but pretty soon, the rusty tow truck is caught up in an international spy adventure of his own..."

Radiator Springs

"RADIATOR SPRINGS was founded in 1909 on the site of a natural spring, by a car named Stanley. This desert town is full of colorful characters and a steady stream of visitors, all curious to see where the famous Lightning McQueen lives. Radiator Springs is also one of the friendliest places on the planet!"

DID YOU KNOW?

"Radiator Springs is the gateway to Ornament Valley. Cars travel many miles just to see the breathtaking scenery here."

The Gang!

"All the residents of Radiator Springs help make the town a fun and vibrant place to live. They always look out for each other, no matter what!"

Lightning McQueen

"Lightning is Radiator Spring's newest and most famous resident. He ended up here by accident, but found so many friends that he never left!"

Fillmore

"Love and peace, dude! Hippy Fillmore is the guy to see if you want tie-dyed mud flaps."

Sarge

"Attention! Sarge is an ex-army Jeep, and applies his military mind to running an army surplus store."

Lizzie

"Lizzie is the town's oldest resident. She might be forgetful, but she is youthful in outlook!"

Ramone

"Ramone runs his own paint shop, the House of Body Art, and regularly practices his skills on himself."

Flo

"Flo is married to Ramone. She runs the V8 Café, where she serves the best (and only) fuel for miles around."

Red

"Popular Red is the town fire truck. He is painfully shy and often emotional, especially about Radiator Springs."

Luigi

"Italian Luigi runs the tire shop, Casa Della Tires with Guido. Luigi is completely obsessed with Ferraris!"

Guido

"Guido is an Italian forklift. Inseparable from Luigi, he works very hard at Casa Della Tires."

Sally

"Sally is Lightning's girlfriend. She is the town's attorney and the owner of the Cozy Cone Motel."

Sheriff

"Sheriff takes his job very seriously. He ensures that there is law and order in the town at all times."

Mater

"Mater is the town's fun loving tow truck and the rustiest resident that Radiator Springs has ever seen!"

World Grand Prix

"THREE DIFFERENT RACES, three different countries, one overall winner! Miles Axlerod, a former oil tycoon, has created the ultimate international racing challenge to debut his new alternative fuel, Allinol. The World Grand Prix is a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of the world's top race cars. This epic event will determine exactly who is the fastest car in the world!"

Brent Mustangburger

"Broadcaster Brent Mustangburger commentates on every race. Almost as famous as the cars themselves, he gives the must-have track analysis for TV viewers, along with Darrell Cartrip and David Hobbscap."

DID YOU KNOW?

"Veteran TV commentators Darrell Cartrip and David Hobbscap also commentated on the Piston Cup."

The Racetracks

"The WGP racecourse is like nothing ever seen before, with all three races set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery."

"Each racetrack features technical turns, straightaways, and dirt sections-- where it is very easy to skid!"

RACE 1 - Tokyo, Japan

"The Tokyo race is a nighttime race that runs through the heart of the colorful city."

RACE 2 - Porto Corsa, Italy

"The Porto Corsa racetrack is set among views of the Italian Riviera and is a race fan favorite."

RACE 3 - London, England

"The finale in London takes the cars past iconic scenery, including Buckingham Palace."

And They're Off!

"At the start of the Tokyo race, anticipation reaches fever pitch. With the crowd roaring, the race cars try hard to focus as the starting lights turn from red to green. Let the WGP begin!"

The Race Cars

"The international race cars come from different racing disciplines--LMP, Formula, GT, F6000 Cup Series, and Rally cars are all represented at the WGP."

Meet the Racers

"THE WORLD GRAND PRIX has the greatest starting line up in history! As competitive as they are talented, the race cars are desperate to see the checkered flag and win the championship. On the racetrack, these guys are rough rivals, but off the track, they are good friends...at least most of the time!"

LIGHTNING McQUEEN

The Favorite

"With speed, stamina, and strength, Lightning is undoubtedly the best all-rounder on the track."

• COUNTRY: USA
• HOMETOWN: Radiator Springs
• TYPE: Stock race car
• TOP SPEED: 220 mph/354 km/h
• HONORS: Piston Cup
• RACING STRENGTH: Speed

FRANCESCO BERNOULLI

The Challenger

"If anybody can beat Lightning, it's Francesco. He doesn't have a secret formula--just sheer talent!"

• COUNTRY: Italy
• HOMETOWN: Monza
• TYPE: Formula
• TOP SPEED: 185 mph/300 km/h
• HONORS: Formula Racer Champion
• RACING STRENGTH: Self-confidence

CARLA VELOSO

The Racing Queen

"Carla loves to dance samba at the Brazilian car-nival, but she loves to win racing trophies even more!"

• COUNTRY: Brazil
• HOMETOWN: Rio de Janeiro
• TYPE: LMP
• TOP SPEED: 175 mph/282 km/h
• HONORS: Interlagos record holder
• RACING STRENGTH: Rhythm

NIGEL GEARSLEY

The Expert

"Cool car Gearsley learned to race by winning the Speed Hill Climb--an uphill race held in England."

• COUNTRY: UK
• HOMETOWN: Warwickshire
• TYPE: GT
• TOP SPEED: 150 mph/241 km/h
• HONORS: Grand Touring Champion
• RACING STRENGTH: Stamina

SHU TODOROKI

The Dragon

"Shu is as competitive and fierce as the legendary red dragon Ka-Riu, which is part of his design!"

• COUNTRY: Japan
• HOMETOWN: Mount Asama
• TYPE: LMP
• TOP SPEED: 250 mph/400 km/h
• HONORS: Suzuka Champion
• RACING STRENGTH: Determination

MIGUEL CAMINO

The Fighter

"Miguel is an expert bulldozer fighter! Funny and stylish, he loves to delight the crowd with his speed and flair."

• COUNTRY: Spain
• HOMETOWN: Pamplona
• TYPE: GT
• TOP SPEED: 175 mph/282 km/h
• HONORS: Running of the Bulldozers
• RACING STRENGTH: Bravery

LEWIS HAMILTON

The Contender

"Smooth, sophisticated, and supremely confident, Lewis Hamilton has a habit of winning everything."

• COUNTRY: UK
• HOMETOWN: Hertfordshire
• TYPE: GT
• TOP SPEED: 165 mph/266 km/h
• HONORS: Junior, Formula Series
• RACING STRENGTH: Technical skill

JEFF GORVETTE

The Legend

"Jeff Gorvette has the highest number of top 10 wins. He commands awe and respect on the racetrack."

• COUNTRY: USA
• HOMETOWN: Vallejo, CA
• TYPE: GT
• TOP SPEED: 250 mph/400 km/h
• HONORS: Rookie of the Year
• RACING STRENGTH: Consistency

MAX SCHNELL

The Tactician

"Max Schnell is a superb tactician. He studies the racetrack intensely before every race!"

• COUNTRY: Germany
• HOMETOWN: Stuttgart
• TYPE: GTC
• TOP SPEED: 180 mph/290 km/h
• HONORS: Motorheimring Champion
• RACING STRENGTH: Analytical mind

RAOUL ÇaROULE

The Acrobat

"Raoul used to be in the French circus. His natural gracefulness has helped him win many races!"

• COUNTRY: France
• HOMETOWN: Alsace
• TYPE: Rally
• TOP SPEED: 200 mph/322 km/h
• HONORS: French rally circuit
• RACING STRENGTH: Flexibility

RIP CLUTCHGONESKI

The Rookie

"Rookie race car Rip has qualified in a number of races. He really could be the wildcard at the WGP."

• COUNTRY: Republic of New Rearendia
• HOMETOWN: New Rearendia
• TYPE: F6000 Cup Series
• TOP SPEED: 240 mph/386 km/h
• HONORS: None...yet
• RACING STRENGTH: Enthusiasm

Team Lightning McQueen

"A RACE CAR IS NOTHING without a trusty pit crew. When Lightning enters the World Grand Prix, the residents of Radiator Springs are eager to help their friend win. Team Lightning McQueen might not be the most experienced pit crew, but each member brings his own special talents to the racetrack."

"All the crew have headsets to hear each other and to hear Lightning"

"Microphone allows each crew member to speak to Lightning while he is on the racetrack."

"Let's hope Mater doesn't need to tow Lightning off the racetrack!"

What's up Doc?

"Early in his career, Lightning was lucky enough to have his friend Doc Hudson as his road crew chief. Lightning not only learned tactics from the three-time Piston Cup winner, but also about the focus and drive needed to win a race."

Fillmore

"Hippy Fillmore is the crew's expert on earth-friendly, alternative fuels. He has even created his own organic variety."

Luigi

"Luigi is the team's tire specialist. Back in Radiator Springs, Luigi is surrounded by tires running his own tire emporium, Casa Della Tires. He is ready to give his all for Team Lightning McQueen."

Guido

"Guido is the fastest forklift around! He is the team pitty who carries out a Pit Stop tire change in record speed!"

Mater

"Mater is responsible for directing Lightning during the races. What could possibly go wrong?"

Sarge

"Sarge brings his sense of duty and military discipline to Team Lightning McQueen--that is when he is not bickering with Fillmore!"

DID YOU KNOW?

"The Radiator Springs' gang were all part of Lightning's pit crew in the Piston Cup tiebreaker. Guido was the fastest in the stadium!"

Trivia

• Despite being an essential guide to the film, there is a lot of misinformation that does not align with the final film and correlating promotional material, such as the racers' top speeds and Francesco's hometown.