Disney has introduced today Disney AppMATes Mobile Application Toys, a new toy line that comes to life digitally when used with an Apple iPad by allowing kids to use the tablet’s screen as a virtual play mat.

Developed in collaboration between Disney Consumer Products (DCP) and Disney Mobile and featuring patent-pending technology, the Appmates toy line features miniature Disney•Pixar Cars 2 vehicles with sensors on the base of each toy that are recognized as a unique footprint by an app with no cable or Bluetooth connection required.

Download the free Cars 2 Appmates app from the iTunes app store, place your favorite Appmates toy character on the screen and play. You can drive around the world of Radiator Springs to discover landscapes and hidden secrets by simply placing the Cars toy character on the screen and turning it in any direction. Drive through mud and up ramps, visit friends at Flo’s V8 Café or check out your Car’s reflection, showing off your latest gear and gadgets.

With Appmates, you can perform missions unique to each character. Completed missions -- like helping bring a tow hook back to Mater --gain hubcaps, the virtual currency. You can collect enough hubcaps to personalize each car with special features like a unique horn sound, customized tire tracks, and cool gear like a rocket launcher or spy vision goggles.

You can rev up the action by racing against World Grand Prix opponents and your Radiator Springs friends. Five racetracks are available at launch. Race around Willy’s Butte, jump off Carburetor Mesa and roar through downtown Radiator Springs earning hubcaps in day or night races.

Appmates toys are available starting Oct. 1 at national retailers, Apple retail stores, the Apple Online Store, Disney Store and http://www.DisneyStore.com with vehicle two-packs (US$19.99) featuring four characters including Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater, Finn McMissile, and Holley Shiftwell. Two additional characters --Francesco Bernoulli and Shu Todoroki -- will launch in November and be available exclusively through Apple retail stores and the Apple Online Store.