Filed under the “For What It’s Worth” department, we’ve read an online rumor that Pixar Animation Studios might be developing another Cars feature film.
This past summer, Michael Wallis, a Route 66 historian and also the voice of Sheriff in both Cars and Cars 2, recorded a radio interview with WGBZ in Alton, Illinois. In the interview, he said in passing that a Cars 3 was under development that the story and characters would be returning back to Route 66 and also to Route 99 (“66 upside down”) in central California.
Wallis said in the interview that he “didn’t particularly care for Cars 2.” He’s not alone. In my opinion, I don’t think there’s a more reviled Pixar film by critics and fans alike than Cars 2 (Cars was also hated by critics and fanboys, too). However, the Cars characters are money-making machines for both merchandise and for tourism. Cars toys and merchandise are Disney’s best selling licensed merchandise next to the Disney Princess line. Cars Land, which opened 2012 in Disney California Adventure park across from Disneyland park in Anaheim, California, has almost single-handedly turned the beleaguered park around and made it into a must-see destination for any Disney theme park fan.
As for when Cars 3 might be released, it’s really anybody’s guess. Pixar Animation Studios has already scheduled “untitled” films to be released on June 16, 2017, November 22, 2017, and June 15, 2018. If the film ever gets made, it could also be released somewhere in the unscheduled future, too.
Nothing is official; these are only rumors (and don’t shoot me–I’m only the messenger). We’ll keep you posted as we learn more.
Sources: Slash Film, The Rotoscopers, Blue Sky Disney
Animation Fascination 
“Cars” is probably a haven for marketing for them; that’s the only reason I see for a “Cars 3”.
Oh goodness, it would not be a shock if there is a Cars 3. Like you said, it is the next money maker beside the Disney Princess line. Hopefully, it is not bad if it comes to full fruition.