Disney Pixar unveils life-size 'Cars 3' Lightning McQueen at 2017 Detroit auto show

DETROIT – A self-driving car kicked off the North American International Auto Show on Sunday, though not one from an automaker. 

Disney Pixar unveiled a life-size replica of kid-favorite Lightning McQueen to promote "Cars 3," the latest sequel to the blockbuster animated racing franchise. 'Lightning McQueen' will be on display during the auto show's public days, Jan. 14-22.

Local 4's Rod Meloni is covering the reveal, which included a new character in the upcoming movie: racer Jackson Storm. 

Meloni tweeted news from the reveal:

"Cars 3" is scheduled to hit theaters on June 16. The first two "Cars" movies have grossed more than $400 million since 1995.

Here's the (somewhat terrifying) trailer for "Cars 3," promising everything will change for Lightning McQueen after crashing in a race: