Sphero unveils ‘most lifelike Lightning McQueen product ever’

Posted on 25th May 2017 By Billy Langsworthy

Robotics specialist Sphero has unveiled its latest collaboration with Disney: an app-enabled interactive Ultimate Lightning McQueen race car.

Deemed by the firm as ‘the most lifelike Lightning McQueen product ever’, the race car boasts animatronic features that embody Lightning’s personality and hybrid performance specs including driving, drifting, racing and reactive touch.

“From the beginning, we wanted to make Ultimate Lightning McQueen feel as real as he does in the film,” said Paul Berberian, CEO of Sphero.

“In order to create a scaled down version of his big personality, we worked closely with the team at Pixar to ensure we were getting his nuances just right – such as leaning into turns and expressive facial and body movements.”

After connecting to the car’s app, Lightning McQueen responds to commands with animated eyes, an animatronic mouth, and suspension and users can train him for the next big race by playing games.

When not in training mode, consumers can watch Cars with Lightning McQueen in Watch With Me mode, where he will react to the movie in real-time.

“Sphero continues to delight fans with their incredibly lifelike replications of our favourite characters,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president, global licensing, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media.

“With Ultimate Lightning McQueen, Cars fans and families of all ages can interact with the character in a whole new way and experience the Cars story through technologies that weren’t even imaginable ten years ago.”

Ultimate Lightning McQueen is Sphero’s third collaboration with Disney, following its BB-8 and Force Band products inspired by the world of Star Wars.

Check out Sphero’s Ultimate Lightning McQueen in action below:

More Recent News

Ravensburger details influencer initiatives for Disney Lorcana

“It’s vital to us to onboard new influencers, players and Disney fans to grow and expand Disney Lorcana in the UK,” said Lea Dillenseger, Product Marketing Manager at Ravensburger UK.

BTHA and Mojo Nation to host Inventors Lunch at Toy Fair 2025

The free Inventors Lunch will return to Toy Fair on Thursday, January 25th at 12PM, hosted upstairs on the Toy Trust Lounge (UL 161).

Hasbro launches AI-powered Game Finder tool

Game Finder’s AI knows the nuances of each Hasbro game, from the ideal play group size to features unique to each title.

Surge Brands named global licensing agent for Crazy Aaron’s

“The creativity and sensory appeal of Crazy Aaron’s products lends themselves perfectly to other consumer products categories like apparel, toys, food, home décor, and beyond,” said Aaron Muderick, Founder and President at Crazy Aaron’s.

Boyhood teams with Disney for wooden Mickey Mouse figure

“We have achieved a result that sets new standards for wooden sculptures,” said Boyhood designer and founder Jakob Burgsø.

Toy Retailers Association details DreamToys list of top toys for Christmas 2024

“More so than ever before, this year’s DreamToys list shows the incredible variety of experiences and play the UK’s vibrant toy industry has to offer consumers,” said chair of the DreamToys selection committee, Paul Reader.