DETROIT – A self-driving car kicked off the North American International Auto Show on Sunday, though not one from an automaker.
Disney Pixar unveiled a life-size replica of kid-favorite Lightning McQueen to promote "Cars 3," the latest sequel to the blockbuster animated racing franchise. 'Lightning McQueen' will be on display during the auto show's public days, Jan. 14-22.
Local 4's Rod Meloni is covering the reveal, which included a new character in the upcoming movie: racer Jackson Storm.
Meloni tweeted news from the reveal:
More of Pixar and Cars 3. pic.twitter.com/FLFr4sawzQ
— Rod Meloni (@RodMeloni) January 8, 2017
Want to know how Disney Pixar got here? pic.twitter.com/jVCoDo5lKy
— Rod Meloni (@RodMeloni) January 8, 2017
Here is the real deal Lightning McQueen: pic.twitter.com/lj5i8FKjia
— Rod Meloni (@RodMeloni) January 8, 2017
Ladies and Gentlemen Jackson Storm!!! pic.twitter.com/XQBgFnUj3z
— Rod Meloni (@RodMeloni) January 8, 2017
Cars 3 Movie character unveiled. pic.twitter.com/oCxTruB0aA
— Rod Meloni (@RodMeloni) January 8, 2017
Stand by for news! Disney Pixar make their North American International Auto Show in minutes. pic.twitter.com/kQpFOSLOSY
— Rod Meloni (@RodMeloni) January 8, 2017
"Cars 3" is scheduled to hit theaters on June 16. The first two "Cars" movies have grossed more than $400 million since 1995.
Here's the (somewhat terrifying) trailer for "Cars 3," promising everything will change for Lightning McQueen after crashing in a race: