Long regarded as the redheaded step child (or should that be red-hooded?) of the Pixar family, Cars was nevertheless a massive success with merchandise-craving kids, and enjoyed the usual healthy life at the box office. So while the gang at Emeryville are getting into sequels in a bigger way right now, Cars was always going to be a high priority for them. We’ve already brought you an exclusive first look at new concept art from the movie and now the first teaser trailer has arrived at Disney’s own YouTube channel.

This first look at the movie takes the standard form of Pixar teasers – just two of the main characters in one static location, but this time it bigs up the spy angle of the sequel. Cars 2 finds our heroes Mater (Larry The Cable Guy) and Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) heading overseas to tackle some of the world’s biggest and best racing locations – including London, Tokyo and Paris. And there’s some espionage intrigue as Mater gets tangled up in a mission after saving the life of British agent Finn McMissile.

We’re a little confused as to why the company didn’t release it via Apple (the two are corporate cousins, after all), but then perhaps it’s as frustrated as everyone else that Steve Jobs and co don’t allow you to embed their trailer footage online.

Cars 2 will roar into cinemas on July 22 next year. For now, watch the laser-filled teaser below and tell us if you’re anticipating it…