Fans of Disney∙Pixar’s Cars franchise are in for a high-octane treat with the launch of “Cars Daredevil Garage,” a thrilling mobile app that merges the physical and digital worlds. Developed by Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI), this action-packed app allows enthusiasts to collect and scan Mattel diecast cars, bringing them to life in a virtual stunt-filled garage. Alongside the app, DCPI is also introducing the Precision Series, a new line of collector diecast cars boasting movie-accurate details and articulated features, set to excite collectors this fall.
Cars Daredevil Garage App: Digital Stunts with Physical Toys
“Cars Daredevil Garage” offers a unique mobile gaming experience, inviting players to collect and scan any of Mattel’s 2015 mainline diecast cars directly into the app. This innovative feature allows users to transform their physical toy car collections into a dynamic digital garage, ready for extreme stunts. The app cleverly utilizes real-world environments, mirroring how kids naturally play with their diecast cars, but now with added virtual excitement. Available as a free download, the app starts players off with Lightning McQueen, allowing them to earn more racing companions as they progress. For those looking to expand their digital car collection rapidly, over 80 additional cars are available for in-app purchase. With a total of more than 160 cars to collect, fans of all ages can immerse themselves in the world of Cars, enjoying a seamless blend of high-speed stunting both on their screens and with their physical toys. At launch, racers have a variety of tracks to choose from, with even more tracks becoming available for purchase and scheduled for release throughout the summer, ensuring continuous thrills and challenges.
Precision Series: Collector Diecast Cars with Movie Accuracy
Complementing the digital excitement of the app, the Precision Series is poised to hit retail shelves this fall, offering high-end diecast cars and playsets designed for serious collectors. These aren’t just any diecast cars; the Precision Series boasts exceptional detail, including meticulously crafted undercarriages, authentic PVC tires, working suspension, and character-specific articulated elements. Whether it’s specialized engines, hoods that open and close, or unique light features, each car in the Precision Series is a miniature work of art, reflecting the beloved personalities from the Cars movies. The playsets in this series are equally impressive, faithfully modeled after iconic landmarks from the Cars universe, most notably Radiator Springs. Designed to connect seamlessly, these playsets allow fans to construct their own sprawling Radiator Springs landscape. Each playset comes equipped with lights, a special diecast car, and compatibility with other Cars story sets from Mattel, promising an immersive and expansive play experience.
Availability and Where to Find Them
Andrew Sugerman, executive vice president, Disney Publishing Worldwide, highlights the excitement, stating, “Cars is one of the most popular animated film franchises of all time, and we are excited to provide fans with another way to celebrate their love for Cars in both the physical and digital worlds.” Doug Wadleigh, SVP and Global Brand GM, Toybox, Mattel, also emphasizes the collaborative effort, “Working with Disney from the ground up on these two exciting Cars initiatives has been an exciting journey. They are terrific examples of Mattel and Disney collaborating to creatively engage and delight fans with fun new ways to play.”
“Cars Daredevil Garage” is currently available for download on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. The Cars diecast car range is already available at major retailers nationwide. For an early look at the Precision Series, fans can visit the D23 Expo – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – held at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 14-16, 2015. The initial Precision Series playset, Flo’s Café Playset, is slated for release this fall, with subsequent playsets and diecast cars launching throughout 2016. Josh Silverman, executive vice president global licensing, Disney Consumer Products, summarizes the year’s offerings, “This is truly an exciting year for the Cars franchise. With a range of new products and digital entertainment experiences that reflect the storytelling, humor and racing from the movies, there is something for fans of all ages to enjoy.”
With the “Cars Daredevil Garage” app and the Precision Series diecast line, Disney and Mattel are delivering a comprehensive Cars experience that appeals to both digital natives and traditional toy enthusiasts, bridging the gap between screen time and playtime in an engaging and innovative way.