In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez becomes Lightning McQueen's new trainee and racing partner.
Cruz begins as a high-performance trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She helps McQueen prepare for his comeback, but her own speed, skill, and long-held interest in racing gradually become central to the story.
McQueen eventually recognizes that Cruz is not merely a coach or assistant. He gives her the opportunity to compete, and she becomes a major racer connected to the Rust-eze team. Their partnership changes the film from a simple veteran-versus-rookie contest into a story about mentorship and passing on experience.
Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. She should not be confused with Sally Carrera, McQueen's partner in Radiator Springs, or Holley Shiftwell, Mater's spy contact in Cars 2.