LEGO Duplo Cars

2010

The LEGO Duplo Cars theme is an ongoing licensed product line that brings the world of the Disney and Pixar Cars films to young builders aged 1.5-5 years old, with sets released across several waves since 2010.

Overview

The Duplo Cars sets feature simplified, larger bricks suitable for toddlers and preschool children, with pre-built or simple-to-build models of iconic characters and locations from the films. The sets are designed to help young children develop fine motor skills, emotional awareness through role-play, and problem-solving skills.

Product Waves

The theme has seen releases tied to all three Cars films:

Cars (2010): The initial wave focused on locations in Radiator Springs and key characters.

Cars 2 (2011-2012): This wave included sets with an international, spy-themed focus from the second film.

Cars 3 (2017): New sets were released to coincide with the third film's release.

Ongoing Releases (2020-Present): New sets featuring classic characters and locations continue to be released, maintaining the theme's evergreen status.

Notable Sets (Current and Retired)

McQueen's Visit to Doc's Garage (10456): A current set (released in 2024) that allows preschoolers to engage in caring role-play, featuring Lightning McQueen and a buildable car wash.

Lightning McQueen & Mater's Car Wash Fun (10996): A set from 2023 that includes figures of Lightning McQueen and Mater, a movable washing arm, and a spinning tuning table.

Piston Cup Race (10857): A retired set from 2017 featuring an award podium, a start/finish line, and a figure of Lightning McQueen.

Tokyo International Circuit (8679): The largest set from the Cars 2 system line (not Duplo, but relevant for character focus), featuring characters like Lightning McQueen, Mater, and Shu Todoroki.

Key Characters

The Duplo theme includes figures of core characters such as:

Lightning McQueen

Mater

Cruz Ramirez

Doc Hudson

Mack (the hauler truck)