The blue Porsche 911...

The blue Porsche 911 and red stock car are two cute "real-life" versions of a pair of characters in the new motion picture, which is based around a gang of talking cars who get caught up in a whirlwind adventure. Featuring the celebrity voices of Owen Wilson (Starsky & Hutch), Bonnie Hunt (The Green Mile) and legendary actor Paul Newman, the computer-animated film will have its US premiere on 26 May.

However, rather than take the traditional red carpet route, Disney is giving the movie its first airing at a NASCAR race in Charlotte, North Carolina. Screens standing 50 feet tall will be erected at the track to give an anticipated 30,000 guests a view.

The story revolves around Lightning McQueen, an up-and-coming race car on the road to success who ends up taking an unexpected detour along the world-famous Route 66 highway. On his travels, he meets characters including Sarge the army Jeep, motel owner Sally (the 911) and Doc Hudson, a Sixties saloon (voiced by Newman). The film roars into UK cinemas on 28 July.