Cars 4 (2025) is the highly anticipated continuation of Pixar’s Cars franchise, following the success of the previous three films. The Cars series, which has captured the hearts of audiences with its anthropomorphic vehicles, has been known for its vibrant world-building, emotional storytelling, and high-speed action. After Cars 3 (2017), which saw Lightning McQueen’s journey towards retirement and his mentorship of the next generation, Cars 4 is expected to take the characters and the world in new directions, further exploring Lightning McQueen’s legacy and the evolving landscape of racing.

Story:

While the plot of Cars 4 has yet to be officially confirmed, here’s a speculative breakdown of what the next installment could involve:

Lightning McQueen’s Transition into Mentorship:
- Cars 4 could continue exploring Lightning McQueen’s life after his racing career. He has transitioned from being a rookie race car to one of the greatest of all time. However, now that he’s past his prime, McQueen could focus on mentoring a new generation of racers, particularly younger cars like Cruz Ramirez (who took the spotlight in Cars 3). The sequel could emphasize McQueen’s legacy, helping him find fulfillment in teaching others, as well as his ongoing quest for self-discovery after leaving the racing circuit.
- The emotional aspect could come from McQueen coming to terms with stepping away from the spotlight and realizing that his greatest accomplishment isn’t just winning races but pᴀssing on his knowledge to others.
A New Racing Challenge:
- A new, cutting-edge racing series could be introduced in Cars 4, pushing the limits of racing technology and changing the dynamics of compeтιтion. This new series might feature high-tech, futuristic vehicles that represent a shift in the racing world. Lightning McQueen could be faced with a new rival—someone who embodies the next generation of racing—forcing McQueen to either adapt to this new style of racing or come to terms with his time being over.
- The film could explore how racing has evolved with advancements in technology, from electric vehicles to self-driving cars, creating a stark contrast to McQueen’s “old-school” racing techniques. McQueen’s struggle to keep up with the new wave of technology could form a central conflict.
A Global Racing Adventure:
- To raise the stakes and give the story a larger-than-life feel, Cars 4 could take Lightning McQueen and his team to international racing events. The film could feature a world tour, showcasing different countries and racing styles around the world. The new races could take place on iconic tracks in diverse landscapes, such as the streets of Monaco, the deserts of the Middle East, or the wild terrains of Africa.
- A world tour could introduce new characters and rival racers from across the globe, each with unique personalities, racing styles, and cultural backgrounds. This would expand the Cars universe and offer new dynamic settings.
Cruz Ramirez’s Growth:
- Cruz Ramirez was a standout character in Cars 3, and she could take center stage in Cars 4, building on her success as a racing champion. As McQueen’s protégé, Cruz could face the challenge of living up to McQueen’s legacy while establishing her own idenтιтy as a racer. She may have to confront doubts about her abilities, deal with the pressure of competing at the highest level, or find a way to balance her mentorship role with her racing career.
- Cruz’s journey could be one of empowerment and self-discovery, as she steps out of McQueen’s shadow and becomes a champion in her own right. This could also mark the evolution of McQueen from being the star to supporting a new generation of heroes.
Exploring New Cars and Personalities:
- Cars 4 could introduce a host of new characters, from rival racers to fellow mechanics and supporters. These characters could offer fresh dynamics and challenges for McQueen and Cruz as they navigate the evolving world of racing.
- In particular, the film might introduce younger, faster racers who challenge McQueen and Cruz, pushing them to be better. These new characters could represent the changing nature of the sport and how racing has evolved in both technology and compeтιтion.

Characters:

Lightning McQueen: The beloved veteran racer will likely continue to be the central figure, grappling with the end of his racing career and embracing a new role as a mentor to Cruz Ramirez and the next generation of racers.
Cruz Ramirez: The first female race car to take the lead in the franchise, Cruz will likely have an expanded role as a champion in her own right, possibly facing a larger compeтιтive field in Cars 4 and learning to step out of McQueen’s shadow.
Mater: Lightning McQueen’s loyal best friend and comic relief, Mater will likely continue to provide humor and lighthearted moments, while possibly helping McQueen in his new endeavors. Mater could also have his own small subplot, perhaps pursuing some personal adventure or goal outside of racing.
New Rivals: The film could introduce a new group of racers who represent the evolving world of racing, with unique personalities, abilities, and racing styles. They could serve as new challenges for McQueen and Cruz.
The Racing Family: Characters like Sally, Doc Hudson (in spirit), and the Radiator Springs crew could return to support McQueen in his new role, offering advice and helping him adjust to the changes in the racing world.

Visual Style:

Cars 4 will likely continue the stunning animation style that the franchise is known for, with vibrant, detailed environments and fast-paced action sequences. The races will be even more dynamic, with sleek, futuristic designs for the new cars and tracks set in exciting locations around the world. Pixar’s signature attention to detail and ability to create vibrant, immersive worlds will be key in bringing this global racing adventure to life.
The visual representation of new racing technology will likely be a focal point, with sleek, modern vehicles and cutting-edge tracks that emphasize the changes in the sport.

Music:

The soundtrack will play a key role in Cars 4, with an energetic mix of fast-paced tracks for the racing scenes and more reflective music during character-driven moments. Expect some classic rock and upbeat tunes to match the high-energy nature of the film, alongside emotional ballads that highlight McQueen’s journey.
The music will likely complement the film’s themes of legacy, friendship, and the thrill of compeтιтion.

Tone:

Cars 4 will maintain the franchise’s balance of action, humor, and heart, offering thrilling racing sequences while exploring deeper emotional themes of growth, mentorship, and finding purpose after one’s prime. It will also continue to feature the humor and quirky charm that made the Cars series so beloved, especially through Mater’s comedic antics.

Overall Expectations:

Cars 4 (2025) is set to be a thrilling continuation of the Cars series, exploring themes of legacy, change, and personal growth, while introducing new characters, challenges, and racing adventures. With Lightning McQueen transitioning into a mentor role, Cruz Ramirez taking center stage, and the addition of exciting new rivals, the film promises to deliver high-energy action, heartwarming moments, and the beloved humor that fans of all ages have come to expect. Expect visually stunning races, new locations, and an emotional exploration of what it means to evolve in a world that’s constantly changing.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

Hoxne Hoard treasures. Photo by Helen Simonsson CC by SA-2.0

November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

Hoxne Village. Photo by Duncan Grey CC BY-SA 2.0

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

Hoxne Hoard: Display case at the British Museum showing a reconstruction of the arrangement of the hoard treasure when excavated in 1992. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Hoxne Hoard: Coins. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

The silver “Hoxne Tigress” – the broken-off handle from an unknown object – is the best known single piece out of some 15,000 in the hoard. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

A silver-gilt spoon with a marine beast from the Hoxne Hoard. Currently in the British Museum. Photo by JMiall CC BY-SA 3.0

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Reconstruction of the Hoxne treasure chest. Photo by Mike Peel CC-BY-SA-4.0

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

Two gold bracelets from the Hoxne Hoard, in the British Museum. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Three silver-gilt Roman piperatoria or pepper pots from the Hoxne Hoard on display at the British Museum

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

Two toiletry items, one in the shape of a crane-like bird; the other with an empty socket, probably for bristles for a makeup brush. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.