Disney-Pixar will premiere its first Disney Digital 3-D short film – “Tokyo Mater” – directed by Academy Award-winner John Lasseter, at theaters nationwide beginning December 12. Appearing before Walt Disney Pictures’ “Bolt,” the animated short is the fourth in Disney-Pixar’s “Cars Toons” series, inspired by the hit 2006 film “Cars.”

The series stars Mater the tow truck (voiced by LARRY THE CABLE GUY), Lightning McQueen’s rusty but trusty friend. In “Tokyo Mater,” a routine tow lands Mater in Tokyo, where he is challenged to a drift-style race against a nefarious gang leader and his posse of ninjas. With the help of his friend, “Dragon” Lightning McQueen, and some special modifications, Mater attempts to drift to victory and become “Tow-ke-O Mater, King of all Drifters.”

2-D computer versions of “Tokyo Mater” will also be available for theaters showing “Bolt” in 2-D.

This kinda sounds like the animated version of The Fast and the Furious 3: Tokyo Drift with a lot of comedy of course. Hmmmm…..Tow-ke-O Mater as the new Drift King. (The Fast and the Furious 4 is coming soon as well.)

Tokyo Mater clip