Owen Wilson provides the voice of Lightning McQueen in Pixar's 2006 film Cars.
Lightning McQueen is the film's central character: a rookie race car whose confidence changes after he becomes stranded in Radiator Springs. Wilson's energetic, self-assured delivery helps establish McQueen as ambitious, competitive, and initially self-centered.
Cars was directed by John Lasseter and released by Walt Disney Pictures in June 2006. The voice cast also includes Bonnie Hunt as Sally Carrera, Larry the Cable Guy as Mater, and Paul Newman as Doc Hudson. A common mix-up is confusing the actor behind McQueen with the actor behind Doc Hudson; Newman voices the retired champion, not the red rookie.
Wilson returned as McQueen for Cars 2 and Cars 3, as well as related Cars projects. The character's racing number, 95, is one of the film series' most recognizable visual details.