The opening for Cars Land, the largest portion of Disney’s $1-billion expansion of Disney California Adventure, has been set for the summer of 2012.

Disney spokesman John McClintock has confirmed that timeframe; Previously, the 12-acre addition to the theme park was announced as opening in an unspecified period in 2012.

adiator Springs from the 2006 Pixar animated film “Cars.” The land is scheduled to feature three rides, as well eateries and shops based on the movie’s theme of a town along iconic Route 66.

The highlight of the the land will be the Radiator Springs Racers ride, which will take up roughly half the acreage of the new land.

The sequel to the film is scheduled for release on June 24. Kathy Magnum, vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, said Cars Land will incorporate elements from both films.

In October, the company held a “topping-out” ceremony to mark the construction of the highest point in Cars Land was erected.

Cars Land is part of what Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, called the second-largest period of expansion in the Disneyland Resort.

Mary Niven, vice-president, California Adventure and Guest Services at Disneyland Resort, said much of California Adventure is being re-imaged to connect with traditional Disney fans.

“Everything that the Imagineers have been doing during the expansion is to not only create new experiences, but to create that link, that fiber throughout the park through the story-telling,” Niven said.