Pixar’s sequel to the hit movie, Cars, is taking place on a global platform so as you can expect, Cars 2 will be introducing new characters from all over the globe. Among these new lands are two countries that have storied histories of producing some of the most iconic cars in history: Italy and the United Kingdom.

For Cars 2, Lightning McQueen and his trusty yet rusty wingman, Mater, head far away from Radiator Springs to compete in the very first installment of the World Grand Prix. In the middle of their adventure, theiy are thrust into a situation where they end up trying to save the world from a bevy of evil four-wheeled villains. In between trying to upend the bad guys and winning the World Grand Prix, McQueen and Mater end up meeting a slew of international characters, five of which you can check out after the jump.

UPDATE 03/09/11: Disney and Pixar are slowly removing the covers off of the new cast of Cars 2 with yet another unveiling of three new characters that will join Lighnting McQueen and the gang for the sequel to the highly-successful animation movie. If the cast hasn't gotten too big for your liking, here we are, introducing Rod "Torque" Redline, Tomber, and Professor Z!

Who are these guys? Head over after the jump to find out!

Francesco Bernoulli

For the sequel, a number of new characters from the two countries will be introduced, including Francesco Bernoulli, a Formula Racer champion and the most famous race car in Europe. As a car who loves himself more than anything else in the world, Francesco’s ego is only matched by his incomparable skill on the track, making him one of the few cars that can give McQueen a serious run for his money.

Uncle Topolino

Then, there’s Uncle Topolino, an old Fiat that calls Porto Corso, Italy as home. There, he stays with his beloved wife, Mama Topolino, and runs the village’s tire shop, the very same shop where Luigi and Guido received their automotive and racing education. Wise beyond his years, Uncle Topolino is never one to shy away from giving advice to his protégés.

Mama Topolino

Mama Topolino is Uncle Topolino’s better half. As good a cook as any you’ll find in that region, Mama Topolino makes the best fuel in the village of Santa Ruotina, just outside of Porto Corsa. Loving, gentle, and fiery all at the same time, Mama Topolino is not one to turn down anybody who wants a good-sized meal of her famous fuel.

Miles Axlerod

Miles Axlerod is more than just an all-electric sports utility vehicle. Once a former oil baron who never saw an oil field he didn’t want, Axlerod eventually did an about-face on his choice of energy, opting for a far cleaner and more eco-friendly electric alternative. Through his riches, Axlerod is also the key proponent of the World Grand Prix, having created it in the beginning while also serving as one of the event’s principal sponsors.

Nigel Gearsley

Finally, there’s Nigel Gearsley. Looking a lot like an Aston Martin from the Land of the Queen, Gearsley once plied his craft in the rough and tumble world of hill-climb races before deciding to switch events, opting for the less dirty and more luxurious world of grand touring events.

Rod "Torque" Redline

Considered as the greatest American spy in the world, Rod "Torque" Redline is a tough-as-can-be muscle car that has the brains to match his bulging brawns. For his latest assignment, 'Torque' goes deep cover after finding out information regarding plans to sabotage the World Grand Prix. Through all the plans to derail him from his mission, Torque soldiers on with the help of an unlikely partner, a rusty American tow truck named Mater.

Professor Z

When it comes to weapons design, nobody is better than Professor Z. So what if he's a rusty, old, bespectacled German. Professor Z is brilliant to the point of crazy and if he had his way, the plot to sabotage the World Grand Prix would go on without a hitch and the Professor will do whatever he can to ensure that the project goes according to plan.

Tomber

A three-wheeled French minicar that has no semblance of balance whatsover, Tomber is a car parts dealer in the markets of Paris who, by reputation or guile, manages to sell merchandises of various shapes and sizes. With connections ranging from the shoddy to the questionable, Tomber somehow ends up getting acquianted to British secret agent, Finn McMissile.