Lightning McQueen Races into Speed Champions - A Pixar First for the Theme

LEGO's just announced something rather unexpected for the Speed Champions line - Lightning McQueen (77255) is making his debut in the theme that's typically reserved for real-world motors. This marks the first time Disney Pixar's beloved race car has appeared in Speed Champions format, and frankly, it's about time.

The set drops on New Year's Day 2026 (though you can pre-order now) and comes with 270 pieces for £22.99, which works out to a reasonable 8.5p per piece. That's pretty standard for Speed Champions, and considering this is a licenced Disney property, the pricing feels fair.

What's particularly intriguing is how LEGO describes this as "more different than any other thing they have done in the theme." Looking at the images, you can see they've really captured Lightning's distinctive shape and character details - those expressive eyes and that cheeky grin are spot on. The build appears to maintain the Speed Champions' signature 8-stud width whilst incorporating McQueen's unique cartoon proportions.

This feels like a smart move for several reasons. The timing coincides with Cars' 20th anniversary, which will likely spark nostalgia amongst parents who grew up with the film. Meanwhile, kids who've discovered Lightning through the various sequels and spin-offs will be thrilled to build their favourite character.

For adult collectors, this represents something genuinely new in a theme that's been steadily expanding beyond traditional supercars and F1 racers. It sits nicely alongside recent additions like the DeLorean and opens the door for more fictional vehicles down the line.

The only potential downside? If you're someone who prefers their Speed Champions collection to stick strictly to real vehicles, this might feel a bit out of place on the shelf. But for most of us, a well-executed Lightning McQueen is a welcome addition that should appeal to builders young and old alike.