In Pixar’s Cars, what desert highway is associated with Radiator Springs?

U.S. Route 66 is the desert highway associated with Radiator Springs in Pixar’s Cars.

The film’s setting draws heavily on real Route 66 communities in the American Southwest. Radiator Springs was inspired by towns and landmarks along the historic road, including places visited by Pixar filmmakers during research trips. The highway once connected Chicago and Santa Monica and became famous as a major route for westward travel.

In Cars, Radiator Springs loses most passing traffic after the construction of Interstate 40 bypasses the town. That fictional history reflects the real economic effect that interstate highways had on many Route 66 communities.

The town’s road signs, motels, diners, and desert scenery echo Route 66 heritage. The phrase “Main Street of America” is strongly associated with Route 66, but it is not the name of the fictional town’s highway.