A closer look at some of the latest concept art for the upcoming Cars-themed expansion suggests an airborne character from the Cars universe could be part of the new land.
Kathy Copter
The full artwork in question depicts a vehicle from Cars Ridge Run Rally racing down a snowy mountain trail, a portion of the off-roading attraction that appears to take riders near the summit of Piston Peak itself, based on other concept art and our first look at the physical model on display earlier this month during the D23 expo.
As the vehicle passes beneath a natural rock arch, a small red helicopter can be seen flying in the background.
The helicopter appears to be Kathy Copter, a news helicopter originally introduced in Pixar’s original Cars film.
Kathy is part of the media crowd that eventually discovers Lightning McQueen after his disappearance on the way to the Piston Cup championship race. Notably, her searchlight is initially mistaken for Radiator Springs’ mythical “Ghostlight” by Tow Mater. She later appears near the film’s climax flying over Los Angeles International Speedway.
The aircraft depicted in the Piston Peak artwork is seemingly identical to Kathy’s design, right down to the attached headset and Racing Sports Network (RSN) decals.
Kathy’s presence would also make sense within the attraction’s racing story. Cars Ridge Run Rally will invite guests to compete for the “fastest lap in the west,” with Lightning McQueen and Mater covering the conclusion for the Racing Sports Network.
The concept art does not officially confirm whether Kathy will appear in the completed attraction. Concept art can include elements intended primarily to convey the atmosphere and action of an experience. However, her deliberate inclusion in the artwork, pictured high above the course (instead of no aircraft at all, let alone a named character) raises the possibility of the character being included in the attraction in some way.
Piston Peak National Park
Cars Ridge Run Rally will take riders through several environments inspired by America’s national parks. The course includes a bumpy climb to the snow-covered summit of Piston Peak, a camelback descent, mud flats, waterways, and an active geyser field. Disney says the attraction’s newly developed vehicles will physically drive over and react to the uneven terrain.
Piston Peak National Park will also include the family-friendly Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along, featuring a school-bus-sized Miss Fritter Audio-Animatronic. Disney has not announced an opening date for the new Frontierland area.
First announced at D23 2024, Piston Peak National Park will be based on real-life national parks, particularly the Rocky Mountains, Yosemite, and Yellowstone. The name comes from the Planes: Fire & Rescue spin-off.
The land will have a river, waterfalls, and geysers, plus a barrel bridge in homage to Tom Sawyer Island.
Imagineering previously shared how Cars fits into Frontierland and said they are keeping sightlines in mind so guests won’t see piston-shaped mountains from Liberty Square.
Check out our Piston Peak National Park construction updates and stay tuned for more updates from D23!
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