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)