Cars Die-Cast Line

In April 2006, Mattel began releasing 1:55-scale die-cast models of characters from the Disney-Pixar film, Cars. Mattel has released these toys in a number of series.

Series 1
While not the official name for the series, the initial wave in the Cars line has come to be known by many collectors as the "daytime," "desert", "original" or "classic" series. This series was the first to be released, in 2006.

Singles, Wave 1

 * Chick Hicks (image)
 * DJ (image)
 * Doc Hudson (image)
 * Fillmore (image)
 * The King (image)
 * Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Lizzie (image)
 * Mater (image)
 * Sally (image)
 * Sarge (image)
 * Sheriff (image)
 * Wingo (image)

Singles, Wave 1.5

 * Dinoco Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Leak Less (image)
 * Nitroade (image)
 * Ramone (green) (image)

"Movie Moments" multi-car packs

 * Boost & Snot Rod (image)
 * Flo & Ramone (purple) (image)
 * Luigi, Guido & Tractor (image)
 * Red & Stanley (image)

"Character Packs"

 * Chick Hicks, Fillmore, Lightning McQueen, King, Sarge & Lizzie (image)
 * Doc Hudson, Sally, Ramone (purple), Sheriff, Wingo, & Rollin' Bowlin' Mater (Note: This car never appears in the movie.) (image)

"2006 Factory Sealed Set"
This was a Hot Wheels Red Line Club exclusive.
 * Boost
 * Chick Hicks
 * Dinoco Lightning McQueen
 * Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
 * DJ
 * Doc Hudson
 * Fillmore
 * Flo
 * Guido
 * The King
 * Leak Less
 * Lightning McQueen
 * Lizzie
 * Luigi
 * Mater
 * Nitroade
 * Ramone (green)
 * Ramone (purple)
 * Red
 * Rollin' Bowlin' Mater (Note: This car never appears in the movie.) (image)
 * Sally
 * Sarge
 * Sheriff
 * Snot Rod
 * Stanley
 * Tractor
 * Wingo

Playsets
These playsets included die-cast vehicles from the Cars line.
 * Luigi's Casa Della Tires - Guido, Luigi, Sally, Lightning McQueen & Doc Hudson (Kohl's exclusive) (playset image)
 * Mack Transporter - Sally & Doc Hudson (Target exclusive) (playset image)
 * Mater's Rollin' Bowlin' - Rollin' Bowlin' Mater (Note: This car never appears in the movie.)
 * Radiator Springs Mountain Challenge Track Set - "Willy's Butte" McQueen (a.k.a. Dirt Track Lightning McQueen)

"Supercharged" Series (Series 2)
Due to their wide popularity, Mattel continued to release cars inspired by the film in a new series, widely referred to among collectors as the "Supercharged" series. This series was released at the end of 2006, and all through 2007.

Singles, Wave 2

 * Boost (First release of this car as a single)
 * Brand New Mater (First release of this car) (image)
 * Chick Hicks
 * Cruisin' Lightning McQueen (First release of this car as a single) (image)
 * Dinoco Lightning McQueen
 * Dirt Track Lightning McQueen (First release of this car as a single) (image)
 * DJ
 * Doc Hudson
 * Fabulous Hudson Hornet (red-rimmed and gray/silver-rimmed versions) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Fillmore
 * Hamm (First release of this car) (image)
 * King
 * Leak Less
 * Lightning McQueen
 * Lizzie
 * Mater
 * Nitroade
 * Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen (First release of this car) (image)
 * Ramone (green)
 * Ramone (purple) (First release of this car as a single) (image)
 * Ramone (yellow) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Sally
 * Sarge
 * Sheriff
 * Wingo

Singles, Wave 3
This is the first release of each of these vehicles, except for RPM, Snot Rod and Ferrari F430 (first release as singles for these three).
 * Bling Bling Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Bob Cutlass (image)
 * Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Cruisin’ Ramone (image)
 * Dale Earnhardt Jr. (image)
 * Darrell Cartrip (image)
 * Dinoco Chick Hicks (image)
 * Dinoco Helicopter (International Release)
 * Ferrari F430 (First release of this car as a single) (image)
 * Fred (International Release)
 * Hydraulic Ramone (image)
 * Mario Andretti (image)
 * Snot Rod (First release of this car as a single) (image)
 * RPM (First release of this car as a single) (image)
 * Tex Dinoco (image)
 * Tongue Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Yeti the Abominable Snowplow (image)

"Movie Moments" multi-car packs

 * Buzz & Woody (First release of these cars) (image)
 * Fillmore & Sarge (image)
 * Luigi, Guido & Tractor (image)
 * Luigi & Guido (Ferrari fans) (First release of these cars) (image)
 * Mike & Sulley (First release of these cars) (image)
 * Sally & Cruisin’ Lightning McQueen (First release of this car) (image)
 * Boost & Snot Rod (image)
 * Flo & Ramone (purple) (image)
 * Red & Stanley (image)
 * Mia & Tia (First release of these cars) (image)
 * King & Mrs. The King (First release of Mrs. The King)
 * Flik & P.T. Flea (International Release) (image)
 * Rusty Rust-eze & Dusty Rust-eze (International Release)

Toys "R" Us Exclusive "Movie Doubles" packs

 * Brand New Mater & Mater (image)
 * Ramone (purple) & Hydraulic Ramone (image)
 * Lightning McQueen & Tongue Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Doc Hudson & Fabulous Hudson Hornet (red rims)

Target Exclusive "Easter Egg" singles

 * Chick Hicks (image)
 * Lightning McQueen
 * Sally (image)

Target Exclusive "Halloween package" singles

 * Cruisin' Lightning McQueen
 * Ramone (purple)
 * Doc Hudson

Target Exclusive "Christmas ornament globe" singles

 * Mater
 * Radiator Springs McQueen
 * Ramone (green)

"Christmas Bulbs" Two-packs

 * Flo & Hydraulic Ramone
 * Mater & Doc Hudson
 * Sheriff & Lightning McQueen

The "Dinoco 400" Target-exclusive set
Mattel released an eight-car set exclusively to Target in the "Supercharged" packaging style that featured three new cars that would eventually see release elsewhere as well. Entitled the "Dinoco 400" set, it included:
 * Chick Hicks
 * King
 * Leak Less
 * Lightning McQueen
 * Nitroade
 * No Stall (First release of this car)
 * Octane Gain (First release of this car)
 * Vinyl Toupee (First release of this car)

The Walmart-exclusives
In October 2007, Mattel released a series of singles exclusive to Walmart in a unique style of packaging showing a direct image from the movie much like the Supercharged and World of Cars "Movie Moments." These singles are commonly referred to as the "Walmart 8" or "WM8." This was also the first release of each of these cars.
 * Al Oft The Lightyear Blimp (image)
 * Barney Stormin (image)
 * Bruiser Bukowski (image)
 * Cactus Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Ghostlight Ramone (image)
 * Kori Turbowitz (image)
 * Piston Cup Pace Car (a.k.a. Charlie Checker) (image)
 * T.J. (image)

Sam's Club "10-Car Value Pack"

 * Al Oft The Lightyear Blimp
 * Brand New Mater
 * Cactus Lightning McQueen
 * Doc Hudson
 * Fillmore
 * Ghostlight Ramone
 * Leak Less
 * Nitroade
 * Snot Rod
 * Wingo

3-Car Box Sets

 * "Tunerz' Vehicles" - Boost, Snot Rod, & Wingo (image)
 * "Tractor Tippin'" - Mater, Tractor, & Lightning McQueen (image)
 * "Courtroom Crew" - Sheriff, Sally, & Doc Hudson (image)

4-Car Box Sets

 * "Radiator Springs Shopkeepers" - Mater, Ramone (green), Sarge & Fillmore (image)
 * "Cruisin' Couples" - Flo, Ramone (purple), Lightning McQueen & Sally (image)

5-Car Box Sets

 * "Radiator Springs Gift Pack" - Lizzie, Doc Hudson, Mater, Sally & Sheriff (image)
 * "Piston Cup Racers Gift Pack" - Nitroade, King, Chick Hicks, Lightning McQueen & Leak Less (image)

6-Car Box Sets

 * "Speedway 6" Gift Pack - Ferrari F430 (First release of this car), King, Chick Hicks, Nitroade, Dinoco Lightning McQueen & RPM (First release of this car) (image)
 * "Cruise Night" Gift Pack - Ramone (purple), Sally, Cruisin' Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sheriff & Doc Hudson (image)

7-Car Box Sets

 * "Meet at Flo's" - Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen, Sally, Lizzie, Sheriff, Doc Hudson, Ramone (yellow) & Flo (image)

Playsets
These playsets included die-cast vehicles from the Cars line.
 * Cruise 'N Go Playmat - Cruisin' Lightning McQueen
 * Cruise 'N Go Playmat - Sheriff (playset image)
 * Lightning Fast Speedway Track Set - Lightning McQueen (playset image)
 * Mack Transporter - Lightning McQueen, Chick Hicks & Leak Less (Walmart exclusive) (playset image)
 * Mack Truck Playset - Lightning McQueen (as bonus on some packaging)
 * Piston Cup 500 Track Set - Lightning McQueen
 * Piston Cup 500 Track Set - Lightning McQueen, Chick Hicks, Leak Less & The King (Toys "R" Us exclusive) (playset image)
 * Race Case and Track - Lightning McQueen & The King (Kmart exclusive)

"The World of Cars" Series (Series 3)
In December 2007, Mattel continued the die-cast line with a new series entitled "The World of Cars." This series then continued to be released throughout 2008.

Singles

 * Al Oft the Lightyear Blimp (First non-exclusive release of this car) (image)
 * Axle Accelerator (First release of this car) (image)
 * Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
 * Bob Cutlass
 * Boost
 * Brand New Mater
 * Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
 * Cactus Lightning McQueen (First non-exclusive release of this car) (image)
 * Charlie Checker (First non-exclusive release of this car) (image)
 * Chick Hicks
 * Chuki (First release of this car) (image)
 * Cruisin' Lightning McQueen
 * Dale Earnhardt Jr.
 * Darrell Cartrip (image)
 * Dexter Hoover (First release of this car) (image)
 * Dinoco Chick Hicks
 * Dinoco Helicopter (First release of this car in USA) (image)
 * Dinoco Lightning McQueen
 * Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
 * DJ
 * Doc Hudson
 * Dudley Spare (First release of this car) (image)
 * Fabulous Hudson Hornet
 * Ferrari F430
 * Fillmore
 * Fred (First release of this car in USA) (image)
 * Fred with Bumper Stickers (Chase) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Ghostlight Ramone (First non-exclusive release of this car) (image)
 * Hamm
 * Hydraulic Ramone
 * Kathy Copter (First release of this car) (image)
 * King
 * Leak Less
 * Leroy Traffik (First release of this car) (image)
 * Lightning McQueen
 * Lightning McQueen with Bumper Stickers (Chase) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Lightning Ramone (First release of this car as a single) (image)
 * Lizzie
 * Luke Pettlework (First release of this car) (image)
 * Mario Andretti
 * Mater
 * My Name Is Not Chuck (First release of this car) (image)
 * Nitroade
 * Old School Ramone (a.k.a. Cruisin' Ramone)
 * Petrol Pulaski (First release of this car) (image)
 * Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hudson Hornet (First release of this car) (image)
 * Pit Crew Member Fillmore (First release of this car) (image)
 * Pit Crew Member Guido (First release of this car) (image)
 * Race Official Tom (First release of this car) (image)
 * Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
 * Ramone (green)
 * Ramone (purple)
 * Ramone (yellow)
 * Roman Dunes (First release of this car) (image)
 * RPM
 * Sally
 * Sally With Cone (First release of this car) (image)
 * Sheriff
 * Snot Rod
 * Spin Out Lightning McQueen (First release of this car) (image)
 * Stacy (First release of this car) (image)
 * Tar Lightning McQueen (First release of this car) (image)
 * Tex Dinoco
 * Tongue Lightning McQueen
 * Tow (First release of this car) (image)
 * Van (First release of this car) (image)
 * Wingo
 * Yeti

Kmart Cars Collector's Event
On 18th October 2008, Kmart stores all over the USA held the 1st Cars Collector's Event where a number of new Cars characters were available to the public for the first time. These singles in the World of Cars Series packaging were exclusive to Kmart. Contrary to many people's beliefs, the "Fred with Bumper Stickers" vehicle was not exclusive to Kmart, and was actually released many weeks prior to this event, even though this vehicle was indeed included in the cases opened at the Kmart event. The singles released for the first time at this event include:
 * Edwin Kranks (image)
 * Fred (re-scaled, no bumper stickers) (image)
 * Shiny Wax (special "Piston Cup" World of Cars Series packaging) (image)
 * Sparemint (special "Piston Cup" World of Cars Series packaging) (image)
 * Sputter Stop (special "Piston Cup" World of Cars Series packaging) (image)
 * Transberry Juice (special "Piston Cup" World of Cars Series packaging) (image)
 * View Zeen (special "Piston Cup" World of Cars Series packaging) (image)

Over-sized Cars

 * Al Oft The Lightyear Blimp (larger than regular single) (First release of this vehicle) (image)
 * Barney Stormin (1st non-exclusive release, metal wings, same size as Wal-Mart exclusive single) (First release of this vehicle) (image)
 * Dinoco Helicopter (larger than regular single) (First release of this vehicle) (image)
 * Lightning Storm Lightning McQueen (non-metallic, no top rockets, less bottom rockets than SDCC version) (First release of this vehicle) (image)
 * Mack (new release) (First release of this vehicle) (image)
 * Marco (new release) (First release of this vehicle) (image)

"Short Card" Singles (a.k.a. "Lane Mates")

 * Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
 * Brand New Mater
 * Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Cactus Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Chick Hicks (image)
 * Cruisin' Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Dale Earnhardt Jr.
 * Dinoco Chick Hicks (image)
 * Dinoco Helicopter (image)
 * Dinoco Lightning McQueen
 * Doc Hudson
 * Fabulous Hudson Hornet (image)
 * Fillmore (image)
 * Hydraulic Ramone (image)
 * King (image)
 * Leak Less (image)
 * Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Lightning Ramone
 * Mater
 * Nitroade (image)
 * Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Ramone (purple)
 * Sally (image)
 * Sheriff (image)
 * Tongue Lightning McQueen
 * Wingo (image)

"Movie Moments" multi-car packs
Note: Target has released some "Value 2 Packs" which contain two of the Movie Moments packages.
 * P.T. Flea & Flik (First release of these cars in USA) (image)
 * Luigi & Ferrari F430 (image)
 * Luigi, Guido & Tractor
 * Rusty Rust-eze & Dusty Rust-eze (First release of these cars in USA) (image)
 * Tex Dinoco & Dinoco Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Bob Cutlass & Darrell Cartrip (image)
 * Boost & Snot Rod (image)
 * Dinoco Mia & Dinoco Tia (First release of these cars) (image)
 * Mia & Tia
 * Guido & Luigi (Ferrari Fans) (image)
 * Flo & Ramone (purple) (image)
 * Mr. The King & Mrs. The King (image)
 * Mike & Sulley
 * Red & Stanley
 * Sally & Cruisin' Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Gasprin & Tow Cap (First non-exclusive release of these cars) (image)
 * Leak Less & No Stall (First non-exclusive release of No Stall) (image)
 * Fillmore & Whitewalls Lightning McQueen (First release of this car) (International Release)
 * Lightning McQueen & Kori Turbowitz (International Release)
 * Doc Hudson & Tumbleweed Lightning McQueen (First release of this car) (International Release)

Toys "R" Us Exclusive "Movie Doubles" packs

 * Dinoco Chick Hicks & Chick Hicks
 * Cruisin' Lightning McQueen & Dinoco Lightning McQueen
 * Guido & Ferrari Fan Guido
 * Ramone (green) & Ramone (yellow)

"Holiday Special!" 2-Car packs

 * Flo & Hydraulic Ramone (image)
 * Sheriff & Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Mater & Doc Hudson (image)

"Pit Row Race-Off" car and launcher sets
Note: Target has released some "Value 2 Packs" which contain two of the Pit Row Race-Off packages. (image)
 * Chick Hicks (image)
 * King (image)
 * Leak Less (image)
 * Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Nitroade (image)
 * No Stall (image)
 * Octane Gain (First non-exclusive release of car) (image)
 * RPM (image)
 * Trunk Fresh (First non-exclusive release of car) (image)

3-Car "Gift Packs"

 * "Dinoco Dream" - Bling-Bling Lightning McQueen, Gold Mia (First release of this car) & Gold Tia (First release of this car) (image)
 * "Dirt Track" - Dirt Track Doc Hudson (First release of this car), Sheriff & Cactus Lightning McQueen (image)
 * "Lightning McQueen's Crew" - Lightning McQueen, Flo & Lightning Ramone (First release of this car) (image)
 * "Piston Cup" - The King, Lightning McQueen & Charlie Checker (image)
 * "Race Officials" - Tow, Al Oft The Lightyear Blimp & Race Official Tom (image)
 * "Team Leak Less" - Leak Less, Stacy & Earl Filter (First release of this car) (image)
 * "Team No Stall" - No Stall, Shirley Spinout (First release of this car) & Roman Dunes (image)
 * "Team Shiny Wax" - Shiny Wax (First non-exclusive release of this car), Nebekenezer Schmidt (First release of this car) & Senior Trax (First release of this car) (image)
 * "Team Sparemint" - Sparemint, Piccolo Perry & Ernest B. Raykes (International Release) (image)

5-Car Box Sets

 * "Dirt Track Challenge Gift Pack" - Sally, Dirt Track Lightning McQueen, Doc Hudson, Flo & Ramone (purple) (image)
 * "Radiator Springs Friends Gift Pack" - Guido, Luigi, Doc Hudson, Cruisin' Lightning McQueen & Tractor (image)
 * Toys "R" Us Exclusive "Dinoco Blue Gift Pack" - Dinoco Helicopter, Dinoco Lightning McQueen, The King, Bling Bling Lightning McQueen & Dinoco Chick Hicks

Target Exclusive "Race & Chase" Gift Set
In May 2008, Mattel and Target signed another deal to release a new gift set with one new exclusive character.
 * Lightning McQueen
 * Chick Hicks
 * The King
 * Re-Volting #84 (first retail release of this vehicle)

Playsets
These playsets included die-cast vehicles from the Cars line.
 * Lightning Fast Speedway Track Set - Lightning McQueen (playset image)
 * Mack Transporter - DJ, Snot Rod & Wingo (Walmart exclusive)
 * Mack Transporter - Nitroade, Bob Cutlass & Bumper Save (First non-exclusive release of Bumper Save) (playset image)
 * Piston Cup 500 Track Set - Lightning McQueen (playset image)
 * Piston Cup 500 Track Set - Lightning McQueen, Chick Hicks, Leak Less & The King (Toys "R" Us-exclusive)
 * Race Case Launcher - Snot Rod (playset image)
 * Radiator Springs Playmat - Cruisin' Lightning McQueen
 * Radiator Springs Playmat - Sheriff

Toys "R" Us Exclusive Sidewall Shine
In 2008, Toys "R" Us offered a mail-in offer to receive an exclusive Cars character, Sidewall Shine, in special packaging. The offer was to buy 5 Cars at a participating Toys "R" Us, from the approved list of UPCs, between August 18th, 2008 and September 30th, 2008, and mail in the original receipt along with the 5 cardbacks and UPCs from the bought cars, and $5.00 (US). The car was packaged in a clear display case, with a black base, "Sidewall Shine" sticker on the front, and the "World of Cars" emblem sticker on the right side.

Toys "R" Us Exclusive N2O Cola
In late 2008, Toys "R" Us offered a second mail-in offer to receive another exclusive Cars character, N2O Cola, in special packaging. The offer was to buy 5 Cars at a participating Toys "R" Us, from the approved list of UPCs, between October 26th, 2008 and December 31st, 2008, and mail in the original receipt along with the 5 cardbacks and UPCs from the bought cars, and $5.00 (US). Like the Sidewall Shine car, N2O Cola came packaged in a clear display case, with a black base, "N2O Cola" sticker on the front, and the "World of Cars" emblem sticker on the right side.

UK Faux Wheel Drive Promotion
In late 2008, Mattel UK offered a free collector car by submitting codes from 6 Cars with a special sticker on front, the same as last year's UK Promotion. From October 1st, 2008 through February 28th, 2009, the codes from the 6 Cars' packages could be submitted via the Cars UK website or via phone, and in return the customer received a die-cast Faux Wheel Drive car. This is Faux Wheel Drive's first appearance outside of the Motor Speedway Of The South set.

"The World of Cars - Race O Rama" Series (Series 4)
In late September 2008, Mattel released yet another series to keep the Cars line going. These Cars (singles) have tickets with the name of the car as the label for their packaging, and on the back there are codes for the new World of Cars online game, where you can receive power-ups, new parts, new paint jobs, new collectibles & 10 "Car-Coins".

Singles

 * Andrea (red ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Axle Accelerator (red ticket)
 * Bling Bling Lightning McQueen (Dinoco blue ticket)
 * Bob Cutlass (red ticket)
 * Boost (green ticket)
 * Brand New Mater (yellow ticket)
 * Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen (yellow ticket)
 * Cactus Lightning McQueen (yellow ticket)
 * Charlie Checker (red ticket)
 * Chick Hicks (orange ticket)
 * Chief RPM (blue ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Chuck Manifold (red ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Chuki (red ticket)
 * Chuki (red ticket) (Kanji Chase Card) (image)
 * Cruisin' Lightning McQueen (yellow ticket)
 * Dale Earnhardt Jr. (orange ticket)
 * Damaged King (orange ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Darrell Cartrip (red ticket)
 * Dexter Hoover (red ticket)
 * Dinoco Chick Hicks (Dinoco blue ticket)
 * Dinoco Helicopter (Dinoco blue ticket)
 * Dinoco Lightning McQueen (Dinoco blue ticket)
 * Dinoco Pitty (a.k.a. Luke Pettlework) (Dinoco blue ticket)
 * Dirt Track Lightning McQueen (yellow ticket)
 * DJ (green ticket)
 * Doc Hudson (yellow ticket)
 * Easy Idle Pitty (blue ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Edwin Kranks (yellow ticket) (First non-exclusive release of this car) (image)
 * Fabulous Hudson Hornet (orange ticket)
 * Ferrari F430 (red ticket)
 * Fillmore (yellow ticket)
 * Ghostlight Ramone (yellow ticket)
 * Greta (yellow ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Hank "Halloween" Murphy (yellow ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Impound Boost (Chase) (yellow ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Impound DJ (Chase) (yellow ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Impound Lightning McQueen (Chase) (yellow ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Impound Snot Rod (Chase) (yellow ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Impound Wingo (Chase) (yellow ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Kathy Copter (red ticket)
 * Leak Less No. 52 (orange ticket)
 * Leroy Traffik (green ticket)
 * Lightning McQueen (orange ticket)
 * Lightning Ramone (blue ticket)
 * Mario Andretti (red ticket)
 * Mario Andretti (red ticket) (Chase card) (image)
 * Mater (yellow ticket)
 * Milton Calypeer (red ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Mini (green ticket) (First release of this car)
 * Night Vision Lightning McQueen (with 2009 Collector Guide) (yellow ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Nitroade Pitty (a.k.a. Hugo Fast) (blue ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Octane Gain Pitty (a.k.a. Dudley Spare) (blue ticket)
 * Old School Ramone (yellow ticket)
 * Patti (red ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hudson Hornet (blue ticket)
 * Pit Crew Member Fillmore (blue ticket)
 * Pit Crew Member Guido (blue ticket)
 * Race Tow Truck Tom (a.k.a. Tow) (red ticket)
 * Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen (yellow ticket)
 * Ramone (yellow) (yellow ticket)
 * Ron Hover (red ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Sheriff (yellow ticket)
 * Snot Rod (yellow ticket)
 * Spin Out Lightning McQueen (yellow ticket)
 * Stacy (blue ticket)
 * Tank Coat Pitty (blue ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Tar Lightning McQueen (yellow ticket)
 * Tex Dinoco (Dinoco blue ticket)
 * The King (orange ticket)
 * Todd (red ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Tongue Lightning McQueen (orange ticket)
 * Trunk Fresh Pitty (blue ticket) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Tumbleweed Lightning McQueen (yellow ticket) (First release of this car in the USA) (image)
 * Vitoline Pitty (blue ticket) (First release of this car)
 * Whitewalls Lightning McQueen (yellow ticket) (First release of this car in the USA) (image)
 * Wingo (green ticket)
 * Yeti The Abominable Snowplow (yellow ticket)

Kmart Cars Collector's Event #2
On June 20, 2009, Kmart stores all over the USA held the 2nd Cars Collector's Event where a number of new Cars characters were available to the public for the first time. These new releases included new Piston Cup Racers, along with previously released Piston Cup Racers, however in this release all of the Piston Cup Racers had synthetic rubber tires (with the exception of Lightning McQueen). The singles released at this event were included in Case K. Vehicles included at this event were:
 * Bumper Save (First release of this car as a single) (synthetic rubber tires)
 * Clutch Aid (First non-exclusive release of this car) (synthetic rubber tires)
 * Easy Idle (First release of this car as a single) (synthetic rubber tires)
 * Lightning McQueen (orange ticket)
 * Lil' Torquey Pistons (First non-exclusive release of this car) (synthetic rubber tires)
 * Mario Andretti (red ticket) (Chase Card) (image)
 * Mood Springs (First release of this car as a single) (synthetic rubber tires)
 * Mini (green ticket)
 * No Stall (First release of this car as a single) (synthetic rubber tires)
 * Patti (red ticket) (image)
 * Retread (First release of this car as a single) (synthetic rubber tires)
 * Shifty Drug (First release of this car as a single) (synthetic rubber tires)
 * Todd (red ticket) (image)
 * Tow Cap (First release of this car as a single) (synthetic rubber tires)
 * Vitoline Pitty (blue ticket)

Short Card Singles

 * Boost (lenticular eyes)
 * Chick Hicks (lenticular eyes)
 * Chick Hicks with Piston Cup (Chase) (image)
 * Cruisin' Lightning McQueen (lenticular eyes)
 * Dinoco Lightning McQueen with Piston Cup (Chase) (image)
 * DJ (lenticular eyes)
 * Doc Hudson (lenticular eyes)
 * Ferrari F430 (yellow ticket) (Italian Chase Card) (image)
 * Fillmore (lenticular eyes)
 * Hydraulic Ramone (lenticular eyes)
 * King (lenticular eyes)
 * Lightning McQueen (lenticular eyes)
 * Luigi & Guido (lenticular eyes)
 * Mater (lenticular eyes)
 * Nitroade (lenticular eyes)
 * Pit Crew Member Guido (lenticular eyes)
 * Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen (lenticular eyes)
 * Sally (lenticular eyes)
 * Saluting Sarge (Chase) (First release of this car) (image)
 * Sarge (lenticular eyes)
 * Sheriff (lenticular eyes)
 * Snot Rod (lenticular eyes)
 * Wingo (lenticular eyes)

"Check Lane" singles

 * Brand New Mater
 * Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
 * Cactus Lightning McQueen
 * Chick Hicks
 * Chief No Stall (a.k.a. Roman Dunes)
 * Dinoco Chick Hicks
 * DJ
 * Doc Hudson
 * Fabulous Hudson Hornet
 * Fillmore
 * Hydraulic Ramone
 * King
 * Lightning McQueen
 * Lightning Ramone
 * Mario Andretti (red rims)
 * Mater
 * Old School Ramone
 * Pit Crew Member Fillmore
 * Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
 * Ramone (green)
 * Ramone (yellow)
 * Sally with Cone
 * Snot Rod
 * Spinout Lightning McQueen
 * Tar Lightning McQueen
 * Yeti The Abominable Snowplow (image)

Target Exclusive Easter Egg "Holiday Special!" singles
These were a Target-exclusive.
 * Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Chief Spare O Mint (First release of this car in the USA) (image)
 * Charlie Checker (image)
 * Chief Shiny Wax (First release of this car as a single) (image)

"Mega Size" singles

 * Al Oft The Lightyear Blimp (blue ticket) (image)
 * Barney Stormin (blue ticket) (image)
 * Chick Hicks Semi (blue ticket) (First release of vehicle) (image)
 * Dustin Mellows (blue ticket) (First release of vehicle) (image)
 * Elvis RV (blue ticket) (First release of vehicle) (image)
 * Frank (blue ticket) (First release of vehicle) (image)
 * Gray Semi (blue ticket) (First release of vehicle) (image)
 * Hummer Sven (blue ticket) (First release of vehicle) (image)
 * Lightning Storm Lightning McQueen (blue ticket) (image)
 * Mack Semi (blue ticket) (image)
 * Marco (blue ticket) (image)
 * No Stall Semi (blue ticket) (First release of vehicle) (image)
 * Octane Gain Semi (blue ticket) (First release of vehicle) (image)
 * RPM Semi (blue ticket) (First release of vehicle) (image)

"Pit Race-Off" car and launcher sets

 * Chick Hicks (image)
 * Easy Idle (First non-exclusive release of car)
 * Fiber Fuel (First non-exclusive of car)
 * Mood Springs (First non-exclusive release of car)
 * No Stall (image)
 * Retread (First non-exclusive release of car) (image)
 * RPM (image)
 * Shifty Drug (First non-exclusive release of car) (image)
 * Shiny Wax (image)
 * Tank Coat (First non-exclusive release of car) (image)
 * Vitoline (First non-exclusive release of car) (image)

"Lightyear Launchers" car and launcher sets

 * Bumper Save (image)
 * Chick Hicks (image)
 * Clutch Aid (First non-exclusive release of car) (image)
 * Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
 * Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Lil' Torquey Pistons (First non-exclusive release of car) (image)
 * Rev-N-Go (First non-exclusive release of car) (image)

"Movie Moments" multi car packs

 * Red and Stanley (image)
 * Luigi and Ferrari F430
 * Gasprin and Tow Cap
 * Leak Less and No Stall
 * The King and Mrs. The King
 * Dinoco Mia and Dinoco Tia
 * Tex Dinoco and Dinoco Lightning McQueen
 * Bob Cutlass and Darrell Cartrip
 * Boost and Snot Rod
 * Rusty Rust-eze and Dusty Rust-eze
 * Fillmore and Whitewalls Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Lightning McQueen and Kori Turbowitz
 * Chick Hicks and Bruiser Bukowski (image)
 * Ron Hover and Kathy Copter

"3-Car Gift Packs"

 * Guido, Luigi & Tar Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Dinoco Mia, Dinoco Tia & Dinoco Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Chick Hicks, The King & Finish Line Lightning McQueen (First release of this car) (image)
 * Bruiser Bukowski, Chick Hicks Pitty (wide) (First release of this car) & Mater (image)
 * No Stall, Chief No Stall (a.k.a. Roman Dunes) & No Stall Pitty (a.k.a. Shirley Spinout) (image)
 * Shiny Wax, Chief Shiny Wax & Shiny Wax Pitty (image)
 * Spare O Mint, Chief Spare O Mint & Spare O Mint Pitty (First release of Spare O Mint Chief and Pitty in USA) (image)
 * Chick Hicks, Chick Fan Mia & Chick Fan Tia (First release of Chick Fan Mia and Tia) (image)
 * Dinoco Girl #1, Dinoco Girl #2 & Lightning McQueen (new "determined" expression) (First release of all three of these cars) (image)
 * Leak Less, Chief Leak Less (a.k.a Earl Filter) & Leak Less Pitty (a.k.a. Stacy) (image)
 * Bling Bling Lightning McQueen, Gold Mia & Gold Tia (image)

Other Gift Packs

 * Sarge's Boot Camp - T.J., Murphy, Charlie Cargo, Frank Pinkerton, Sarge (First release of Murphy, Charlie and Frank PInkerton) (image)
 * Team Leak Less Crew - Chief Leak Less (a.k.a. Earl Filter), Leak Less Pitty (a.k.a. Stacy), Wide Leak Less Pitty (First release of car), Fat Leak Less Pitty (First release of car) (image)
 * Team HTB Crew - Chief HTB, HTB Pitty #1 (a.k.a. Bruiser Bukowski), HTB Pitty #2 (First release of car), Wide HTB Pitty (image)
 * Team Dinoco Crew - Chief Dinoco (First release of car), Dinoco Pitty (First release of car), Wide Dinoco Pitty (First release of car), Fat Dinoco Pitty (a.k.a. Luke Pettlework (image)

"Haulers"
These die-cast rigs with trailers are now available for the first time in "World of Cars: Race O Rama" packaging.
 * Chick Hicks Hauler (image)
 * Gil (image)
 * Gray Hauler (image)
 * Jerry Recycled Batteries Hauler (image)
 * Leak Less Hauler (image)
 * Mack Hauler (image)
 * Nitroade Hauler (image)
 * Octane Gain Hauler (image)
 * Trunk Fresh Hauler (image)
 * Wally Hauler (Walmart exclusive) (Note: This vehicle never appears in the movie) (image)

Piston Cup Racer "Team" Packs
These Target-exclusive packs consist of a Piston Cup Racer, his hauler, and a pitty.
 * "Team HTB" - Chick Hicks Hauler, Chick Hicks, Bruiser Bukowski (image)
 * "Team Dinoco" - Gray Hauler, The King, Dinoco Pitty (a.k.a. Luke Pettlework) (image)
 * "Team Rust-eze" - Mack Hauler, Lightning McQueen, My Name Is Not Chuck (image)
 * "Team Leak Less" - Leak Less Hauler, Leak Less, Leak Less Pitty (a.k.a. Stacy) (image)

Playsets

 * Race-Off Ridge - Dirt Track Lightning McQueen (playset image)
 * Mack Transporter - Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen & Sally (playset image)

France Gask-its Promotion
In 2009, Mattel France offered a free collector car by submitting bar codes from 4 Cars. From January 1st, 2009 through August 31st, 2009, the bar codes from the 4 Cars' packages could be submitted via mail, along with receipts for the Cars within 7 days of submittal, return address, and return postage, and in return the customer received a die-cast Gask-its car. This is Gask-its' first appearance outside of the Motor Speedway Of The South set.

Singles

 * Brand New Mater (image)
 * Doc Hudson (image)
 * Dusty Rust-eze (First release of this car as a single) (image)
 * Fabulous Hudson Hornet
 * Flo (First release of this car as a single) (image)
 * Fred (re-scaled)
 * Guido (First release of this car as a single)
 * Luigi (First release of this car as a single)
 * Red (First release of this car as a single) (image)
 * Retro Ramone (First release of this car) (image)
 * Rusty Rust-eze (First release of this car as a single) (image)
 * Smell Swell Lightning McQueen (First release of this car) (image)
 * Sponsorless Lightning McQueen (First release of this car) (image)
 * Tractor (First release of this car as a single) (image)
 * Wedding Day Ramone (First release of this car) (image)

3-Packs

 * Doc Hudson, Flo & Sponsorless Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Fred (re-scaled), Fabulous Hudson Hornet & Smell Swell Lightning McQueen (image)
 * Dusty Rust-eze, Rusty Rust-eze & Retro Ramone (image)
 * Luigi, Red & Guido (image)
 * Wedding Day Ramone, Tractor & Brand New Mater (image)

Playsets
These playsets included die-cast vehicles from the Cars Storytellers Collection line.
 * Simpletown Speedway - Smell Swell Lightning McQueen (image)

"Cars Toons"
These vehicles are based on the animated short series by Pixar that airs on the Disney Channel, Toon Disney, and ABC Family. Its first broadcast was on October 27, 2008 & it's last broadcast was December 31, 2008. The vehicles released in this line are shown here.

Mattel exclusives
Here are some Mattel exclusives.

The "Motor Speedway Of The South" Set
This set was a Hot Wheels Red Line Club exclusive. Its release date was 20th May 2008 it had every race car in the opening scene. There were only a limited number of 1000 sets with a unique and random number on a letter that people that bought the set received. According to the information from the description of the set each set had a unique and random number on the packaging. None of the sets did and Mattel apologised for this problem and stated that the description of the set was incorrect. Mattel have also stated that some of the racers in this set will be exclusive to the set but this could easily change. The sale for this set sold out in 2 hours and 26 minutes.

Contents

 * Lightning McQueen #95
 * The King #43
 * Chick Hicks #86
 * RPM (Winford Bradford Rutherford) #64
 * Nitroade (Aiken Axler) #28
 * Mood Springs (Chuck Armstrong) #33
 * Shifty Drug (Kevin Racingtire) #35
 * Easy Idle (Ruby "Easy" Oaks) #51
 * Transberry Juice (Lee Revkins) #63
 * Apple (Mac iCar) #84
 * Retread (Haul Inngas) #79
 * Gask-its (Sage VanDerSpin) #80
 * Shiny Wax (Darren Leadfoot) #82
 * Bumper Save (Ponchy Wipeout) #90
 * Lil' Torquey Pistons (Ralph Carlow) #117
 * Clutch Aid (Kevin Shiftright) #121
 * No Stall (Todd Marcus) #123
 * Fiber Fuel (Brush Curber) #56
 * Trunk Fresh (Dirkson D'Agostino) #34
 * View Zeen (Ryan Shields) #39
 * Faux Wheel Drive (Johnny Blamer) #54
 * Dale Earnhardt Jr. #8
 * Octane Gain (Billy Oilchanger) #58
 * Tow Cap (Rusty Cornfuel) #4
 * N2O Cola (Manny Flywheel) #68
 * Sidewall Shine (Slider Petrolski) #74
 * Re-Volting (Davey Apex) #84
 * Tank Coat (Eugene Carbureski) #36
 * Leak Less (Claude Scruggs) #52
 * Vitoline (James Cleanair) #61
 * Gasprin (Floyd Mulvihill) #70
 * Rev-N-Go (Misti Motorkrass) #73
 * Vinyl Toupee (Crusty Rotor) #76
 * Sputter Stop (Murray Clutchburn) #92
 * Sparemint (Ernie Gearson) #93
 * Tach-O-Mint (Greg Candyman) #101

Other releases
A variety of additional items have been released by Mattel as part of the Cars die-cast line, including repacks of previously-released cars in new packaging configurations for exclusive release at retailers such as Best Buy and BJ's Wholesale Club.

Some of these include:

Best Buy Exclusive 2007 Cars Widescreen "DVD And 4-Car Gift Set"

 * Doc Hudson
 * Fillmore
 * Lightning McQueen
 * Mater

Announced future releases
These releases have been confirmed via leaked images, solicitation information sent to retailers, and other sources.

Singles
The release date or case designation of these vehicles is still unknown.
 * Brian
 * Timothy Twostroke

"Mega Size" singles

 * Hydraulic Ramone (a.k.a. "High n' Low Ramone") (blue ticket)
 * Richard Clayton Kensington
 * TJ

"Short Card" Singles Case D

 * Bling Bling Lightning McQueen (lenticular eyes)
 * Dirt Track Lightning McQueen (lenticular eyes)
 * Fabulous Hudson Hornet (lenticular eyes)
 * Kathy Copter (lenticular eyes)
 * King with Piston Cup (Chase)
 * Leak Less (lenticular eyes)
 * Ramone (green) (lenticular eyes)
 * Tex Dinoco (lenticular eyes)

"Short Card" Singles Case E

 * Dinoco Lightning McQueen (lenticular eyes)
 * Darrell Cartrip (Ransburg paint) (Chase)
 * Pit Crew Member Sarge (lenticular eyes)
 * Ramone (purple) (lenticular eyes)

"Short Card" Singles Unknown Cases

 * Dexter Hoover with yellow flag (lenticular eyes)
 * Flo (lenticular eyes)
 * Lightning Ramone (lenticular eyes)
 * Mood Springs Pitty
 * N2O Cola Pitty
 * Ron Hover (lenticular eyes)

2009 Christmas Holiday Cars

 * Frosty Mia & Tia
 * Icy Dan Sclarkenberg
 * Holiday Lightning McQueen
 * Reindeer Mater
 * Rockin' Ramone
 * Santa Doc
 * Snowflake Sally
 * Snowy Wingo
 * Winter Lightning McQueen

Toys "R" Us Exclusive Gask-Its
In March 2009, Toys "R" Us was to begin offering a third mail-in offer to receive another exclusive Cars character, Gask-its, in special packaging. The offer was going to be to buy 5 Cars at a participating Toys "R" Us, from the approved list of UPCs, between dates to be specified, and mail in the original receipt along with the 5 cardbacks and UPCs from the bought cars, and $5.00 (US).
 * This Promo has been canceled...for now.

Toys "R" Us Exclusive Tach-O-Mint
In October 2009, Toys "R" Us plans a third mail-in offer (instead of the previously planned Gask-its offer) to receive another exclusive Cars character, Tach-O-Mint, in special packaging. The offer will be to buy 5 Cars at a participating Toys "R" Us, from the approved list of UPCs and mail in the original receipt along with the 5 cardbacks and UPCs from the bought cars, and $5.00 (US).

"Movie Moments" multi-car packs

 * Lightning McQueen & Kori Turbowitz (Already an International release but not avaliable in the USA yet)
 * Mario Andretti & Patty
 * Race Damaged King & Lightning McQueen
 * Tumbleweed Lightning McQueen & Doc Hudson (Already an International release but not avaliable in the USA yet)
 * Dinoco Girl A & Dinoco Girl B
 * Sarge & T.J.
 * Stanley & Lizzie
 * Ron Hover & Kathy Copter (Already an International release but not available in the USA yet)

"3-Car Gift Packs"

 * Dexter Hoover (w/checkered flag), Lightning McQueen & Race Damaged King

"Pit Race-Off" car and launcher sets

 * N20 Cola (Target-only) (case not known)
 * Re-Volting (Target-only) (case not known)
 * Vinyl Toupee (Target-only) (case not known)
 * View Zeen (Target-only) (case not known)
 * Faux Wheel Drive (Target-only) (case not known)
 * Sidewall Shine (Target-only) (case not known)
 * Tach-O-Mint (Target-only) (case not known)

2009 "Lightyear Launchers" car and launcher sets

 * Fiber Fuel (First non-exclusive release of car)
 * Shifty Drug
 * Vitoline
 * View Zeen (First non-exclusive release of car)
 * Sidewall Shine (First non-exclusive release of car)

2009 "Haulers"

 * Mood Springs Hauler (Case M)
 * No Stall Hauler (Case H)
 * Paul Valdez Hauler (Case N)
 * RPM Hauler (Case J)
 * Shiny Wax Hauler (Case K)
 * Sidewall Shine Hauler (Case L)

Racer 4-Packs

 * Lightning McQueen, Chick Hicks, Fiber Fuel & Spare O Mint
 * Lightning McQueen, Vitoline, Leak Less & Rev-N-Go
 * Lightning McQueen, RPM, King & Trunk Fresh

"Final Lap" Series

 * Antonio Veloce Eccellente
 * Artie
 * Bert
 * Blowing Bubbles Mater
 * Coriander Widetrack
 * Costanzo Della Corsa
 * Damaged Mood Springs
 * Dan Sclarkenberg
 * Derek "Decals" Dobbs
 * Dexter Hoover with Checkered Flag
 * Dexter Hoover with Green Flag
 * Donna Pits
 * Duff Wrecks
 * Flo with Tray
 * Hooman
 * Jamie
 * Jay Limo
 * Johnny
 * Jonathan Wrenchworths
 * Lightning McQueen with Cone
 * Lightning McQueen with Shovel
 * Marilyn
 * Marion "Clutches" McKay
 * Marty Brakeburst
 * Matthew "True Blue" McCrew
 * Matti
 * Milo
 * Muddy Lightning McQueen
 * Nick Stickers
 * One Eye Mater
 * Percy Hanbrakes
 * Pit Crew Member Sarge
 * Polly Puddlejumper
 * Race Damaged Mood Springs
 * Rev-N-Go Pitty
 * Skip Ricter
 * Swift Alternetter
 * Timothy "Timezone" Truecoat
 * Valerie Veate
 * Vern
 * Wet Lightning McQueen

Playsets

 * Mack Transporter (with Vinyl sides) - Lightning McQueen & Doc Hudson

Expanded Universe "Storytellers Collection"

 * Bubba
 * Buford
 * Cletis
 * Jud
 * Laverne
 * Rhonda
 * Sheila
 * Storytellers Playmat with unknown die-cast car

"Mater Saves Christmas" Collection
These will be based on a book that is to be released in September 2009.
 * Holiday Hotshot Lightning McQueen
 * Christmas Cruiser Ramone
 * Snow Day Sally
 * Holiday Spirit Sheriff
 * Decked Out Doc Hudson
 * A 6-pack of the above Cars plus Reindeer Mater will also be available.

Recognized Variants
Note: To be considered a variant, it has to occur in sufficient quantity. Otherwise it is deemed an error.

Packaging Variants

 * The "Walmart 8" and 19 of the first new releases to the "World of Cars" series had packages with and without the "New" emblem.
 * Impound Boost - In the "World of Cars: Race O Rama" series, this Car was packaged with both confetti blister card bubbles and non-confetti blister card bubbles.
 * Impound Snot Rod - In the "World of Cars: Race O Rama" series, this Car was packaged with both confetti blister card bubbles and non-confetti blister card bubbles.
 * Fillmore - In the "Desert" series, there is a variant with Fillmore spelled wrong as "Filmore" on both the front and back of the card.
 * Fillmore - In the "Desert" series, there is a variant with Fillmore spelled wrong as "Filmore" just on the back of the card.
 * King, Finish Line Lightning McQueen & Chick Hicks 3-Car Gift Pack - In the "World of Cars: Race O Rama" series, there is a version of the packaging in which the cars are facing to the left and another in which they are facing to the right.
 * Lizzie - In the "Desert" series, there are versions with and without "promotion information" on back of the card.
 * Sarge - In the "Desert" series, there are versions with and without "promotion information" on back of the card.
 * Wingo - In the "Desert" series, there are versions with and without "promotion information" on back of the card.
 * Gasprin & Tow Cap - In the "World of Cars" series, there are two versions of the "Movie Moments" with Gasprin and Tow Cap. One packaging version has the Gasprin car with his label on the left side of the package with Tow Cap on the right side (image).  The other version is the reverse of this, with Tow Cap on the left and Gasprin on the right (image).

Cars Variants

 * Bling Bling Lightning McQueen - The Bling Bling Lightning McQueen released in the Dinoco Dream Gift Pack has eyes that are shifted from that of the Bling Bling Lightning McQueen single. The version in the gift pack has teeth painted more like that of Dinoco Lightning McQueen.
 * Boost - There are versions of Boost that were made in Thailand that have a more lavender color, especially under bright lights, while the version made in China is more purple.
 * Bruiser Bukowski - There are brown-eyed and blue-eyed versions of Bruiser.
 * Dale Earnhardt Jr. - The single of this Car varies greatly from the version in the "Motor Speedway of the South" exclusive set. The set version has a different body (No Stall/Nitroade body), aggressive facial expression (both eyes and mouth) rather than smiling, "JR" logo on trunk area is larger and thicker, rivets on front of spoiler, and the taillights are triangular instead of rectangular.
 * Dale Earnhardt Jr. - There is a variant within the "Motor Speedway of the South" sets for this Car. The correct version has a white 2007 copyright and a Dale Earnhardt Jr. stamped signature on the bottom of the vehicle beneath the driver-side door area, with the date code stamped in white on the bottom beneath the front bumper area.  The incorrect variant lacks the white copyright and signature, and instead only has the date code stamped in white on the bottom of the Car beneath the driver-side door area.
 * Darrell Cartrip - "Supercharged" series and the first "World of Cars" series versions of this Car have a white mouth with some red in the center. Newer versions have a normal looking black mouth with white teeth.
 * Fabulous Hudson Hornet - In the "Supercharged" series, this Car first was produced with gray/silver rims with white-walled tires (image), but eventually this was changed to red rims with no white-walls (image).
 * Fabulous Hudson Hornet - After switching to red rims, there are two versions of this vehicle. One has more pronounced eyelids and frame around the eye, and also deeper and more pronounced lines on the bottom of the Car.  The other version has these features less pronounced.
 * Fred - There are versions of Fred with and without the "Fred" license plate.
 * Fred - In the "World of Cars" series, Fred was rescaled to a much smaller version.
 * King - The version of this Car made in Thailand have a differently shaped rear wheel-well than that made in China. On the version made in Thailand, the front section of the rear wheel-well is 1mm further away from the tire than the version made in China.
 * Kori Turbowitz - In the "Walmart 8" exclusives of the "Supercharged" series, Kori Turbowitz came in two versions: one with an angled press pass sticker, and one with a straight press pass sticker.
 * Leak Less - In the "Desert" and "Supercharged" series, Leak Less was more yellow, but sometime during the "World of Cars" series, Leak Less began to be painted with a green-tinted yellow.
 * Lightning McQueen - In the "World of Cars" series Lightning Fast Speedway Track Set, Lightning McQueen had a two-piece body, much like the other McQueens, such as Tongue Lightning McQueen. The two pieces are the main body and the mouth area.  All other Lightning McQueens to this point were single-piece bodies.
 * Lightning McQueen - In the "World of Cars: Race O Rama" series, Lightning McQueen has been released for the first time as a single with the "Rust-eze" logo on his spoiler. However, the version without the logo on the spoiler has been released in this packaging as well.
 * Lightning McQueen - In the "lenticular eyes" version of Lightning McQueen in the "World of Cars: Race O Rama" series, there are two versions: one with plastic front bumper/mouth piece and one with a single metal body piece.
 * Mater - Sometime during the "Supercharged" series, Mater was changed so that his engine and truck bed are now plastic instead of metal.
 * Piston Cup Pace Car/Charlie Checker - This Car comes in two versions: one with red taillights and one with yellow taillights.
 * Sally - The version of this Car made in Thailand has a thicker font for the word "Carrera" on the back, than that of the version made in China.
 * Sarge - Sarge has the famous variant in which his paint contains lead.
 * TJ - In the "Walmart 8" exclusives of the "Supercharged" series, TJ came in two versions: one with a "TUF GUE" license plate, and one with a "TUF GUY" license plate.

Blu-ray Lightning McQueen
In October 2007, Disney released a limited-edition Lightning McQueen free to purchasers of Cars on Blu-ray. The Car was metallic dark blue in color, and was dubbed "Blu-Ray Lightning McQueen." According to the Disney redemption website, there was a total of 15,000 units to be redeemed. This promotion finished on January 28, 2008. Note: This car never appears in the movie.

Lightning Storm Lightning McQueen (Comic-Con 2008)
At Comic-Con 2008, Mattel offered a specially packaged version of a metallic Dinoco Blue "Lightning Storm Lightning McQueen", which was limited to 5,000 pieces. A version similar to this was released in stores, in "World of Cars" Series packaging, as an "oversized" vehicle. The version released in stores was not metallic, had no rockets on top, and had less rockets beneath Lightning McQueen than the Comic-Con version.

Darth Mater
At Comic-Con 2008, a special "out of this world" car was shown, & that car was called "Darth Mater". On October 25th, 2008, this car was auctioned off for $10,000 to help Children Affected by AIDS (CAAF). The display case was signed by George Lucas and John Lasseter. Note: This car never appears in the movie.

2007 UK promotion
In the UK, Mattel placed stickers on some of its Cars merchandise as part of a promotional campaign that encouraged customers to purchase Cars items, collect stickers and redeem those stickers for free items:
 * 1 sticker = sticker book
 * 6 stickers = Vinyl Toupee (Exclusive single-car release previously only available as part of Target-exclusive "Dinoco 400" set in the U.S.)
 * 12 stickers = Race Case and Track

This promotion ended on December 31, 2007.

Red Ransburg Lightning McQueen
On October 27, 2007, the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF) auctioned off many items as part of a fundraising effort, including a one-of-a-kind set of Cars die-casts in a specially-designed case signed by Cars creator John Lasseter. The set included a Blu-ray Lightning McQueen, the as-yet-unreleased Richard Clayton Kensington, and a unique metallic red Lightning McQueen, eventually dubbed "Red Ransburg Lightning McQueen." This car was made distinctive by its red metallic paintjob in the style of "Ransburg" paint application process. There is only 1 of this particular vehicle in the world, which was given away at this CAAF auction. The case was won for $13,000 by the president of Toys "R" Us. Another version of this Red Ransburg Lightning McQueen was given to the attendees of a "brainstorming" meeting in the Fall of 2007, which included employees of Mattel and Disney-Pixar. These vehicles are referred to as the "Cars Team '09" version, as they have this designation on the rear spoiler of the vehicle. Mattel only produced an extremely small number (possibly as low as 50) of this Red Ransburg Lightning McQueen die-cast. This version differed from the one created for the CAAF auction in that the color was a red-orange instead of having an actual red "Ransburg" look, white headlights, painted hood bolts, and the "Cars Team '09" on the rear spoiler as previously mentioned. Because of the small quantities produced and the internal distribution of the die-cast, authentic samples of the Red Ransburg Lightning McQueen have become highly sought-after collectibles and are quite unlikely to be found at present on the secondary market. There were no other authorized version of this car ever made, and many "fake" ones can be found for sale (there was not a group of 150 for any other meeting or any such event...these are either fakes or part of a group of some unauthorized vehicles that leaked out of Mattel). Note: This car never appears in the movie.

Sarge recall
On August 14, 2007, Mattel recalled Sarge die-casts released in the "Supercharged" series because of lead-based paint used in their production by the die-cast's Chinese manufacturer. This was part of a major series of recalls for Mattel and one of numerous recalls of Chinese products in 2007. Sarge has not yet been released again within the die-cast line.

Fillmore Popularity Shoot-Up
In June 2008, due to the death of actor George Carlin, voice of Fillmore in Cars, people everywhere were looking for the Fillmore die-cast. This popularity shoot-up was similar to the Joker action figure from the Batman movie, The Dark Knight, after the death of actor Heath Ledger.

1:55-Scale Die-Cast Singles Numbering
In late 2007, starting with the "World of Cars" Series, Mattel began to assign numbers to each of the Cars packaged as singles. The same system continued into the "World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series. The numbering system is as follows:


 * 1. Lightning McQueen
 * 2. Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
 * 3. Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
 * 4. Cruisin' Lightning McQueen
 * 5. Dinoco Lightning McQueen
 * 6. Cactus Lightning McQueen
 * 7. Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
 * 8. Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
 * 9. Tongue Lightning McQueen
 * 10. Fabulous Hudson Hornet
 * 11. Doc Hudson
 * 12. Ramone (yellow)
 * 13. Hydraulic Ramone
 * 14. Ghostlight Ramone
 * 15. Lightning Ramone
 * 16. Ramone (purple)
 * 17. Ramone (green)
 * 18. Old School Ramone
 * 19. Brand New Mater
 * 20. Mater
 * 21. Ferrari F430
 * 22. Mario Andretti
 * 23. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
 * 24. Chick Hicks
 * 25. Stacy (Leak Less Pitty)
 * 26. Dinoco Chick Hicks
 * 27. Dinoco Helicopter
 * 28. Leroy Traffik
 * 29. Tex Dinoco
 * 30. Sarge
 * 31. Kathy Copter
 * 32. Petrol Pulaski (RPM Pitty)
 * 33. Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hudson Hornet
 * 34. Pit Crew Member Guido
 * 35. Lightning McQueen With Bumper Stickers
 * 36. Spin Out Lightning McQueen
 * 37. Pit Crew Member Fillmore
 * 38. Fillmore
 * 39. Hamm
 * 40. Boost
 * 41. RPM
 * 42. Bob Cutlass
 * 43. Darrell Cartrip
 * 44. Fred
 * 45. Yeti The Abominable Snowplow
 * 46. Sheriff
 * 47. The King
 * 48. Sally
 * 49. Leak Less
 * 50. Nitroade
 * 51. Lizzie
 * 52. DJ
 * 53. Wingo
 * 54. Snot Rod
 * 55. My Name Is Not Chuck
 * 56. Tow (Race Tow Truck Tom)
 * 57. Race Official Tom
 * 58. Axle Accelerator
 * 59. Chuki
 * 60. Roman Dunes (Chief No Stall)
 * 61. Van
 * 62. Luke Pettlework (Dinoco Pitty)
 * 63. Al Oft The Lightyear Blimp
 * 64. Hugo Fast (Nitroade Pitty)
 * 65. Charlie Checker (Piston Cup Pace Car)
 * 66. Tar Lightning McQueen
 * 67. Fred With Bumper Stickers
 * 68. Dudley Spare (Octane Gain Pitty)
 * 69. Ron Hover
 * 70. Sally With Cone
 * 71. Dexter Hoover
 * 72. Edwin Kranks
 * 73. Impound Lightning McQueen
 * 74. Tank Coat Pitty
 * 75. Impound Boost
 * 76. Kori Turbowitz
 * 77. Chief RPM
 * 78. Timothy Twostroke
 * 79. Trunk Fresh Pitty
 * 80. Impound Snot Rod
 * 81. Greta
 * 82. Race Damaged King
 * 83. Easy Idle Pitty
 * 84. Impound DJ
 * 85. Hank "Halloween" Murphy
 * 86. Chuck Manifold
 * 87. Impound Wingo
 * 88. Tumbleweed Lightning McQueen
 * 89. Andrea
 * 90. Chuki (Japanese Card)
 * 91. Milton Calypeer
 * 92. N2O Cola Pitty
 * 93. Todd
 * 94. Ferrari F430 (Italian Card)
 * 95. Patty
 * 96. Vitoline Pitty
 * 97. Mario Andretti (Italian Card)
 * 98. Costanzo Della Corsa
 * 99. Blowing Bubbles Mater
 * 100. Saluting Sarge
 * 101. King With Piston Cup
 * 102. Dinoco Lightning McQueen With Piston Cup
 * 103. Skip Ricter
 * 104. Chick Hicks With Piston Cup
 * 105. Mood Springs Pitty
 * 106. Polly Puddlejumper
 * 107. Muddy Lightning McQueen
 * 108. Mini
 * 109. Night Vision Lightning McQueen
 * 110. Whitewalls Lightning McQueen
 * 111. Rescue Squad Mater
 * 112. Burnt Lightning McQueen
 * 113. Dr. Mater
 * 114. Nurse Mia
 * 115. Nurse Tia