In Pixar’s Cars, what road-inspired town does Lightning McQueen visit?

Lightning McQueen visits Radiator Springs in Pixar’s Cars.

The fictional town lies on historic U.S. Route 66 in Carburetor County, in the American Southwest. Lightning reaches it after being separated from his transport truck, and his reckless driving damages the town’s road. A court order requires him to repair the road before he can leave.

Radiator Springs is central to the movie’s story because it changes from an unwanted stop into a community Lightning values. Its residents include Sally Carrera, Doc Hudson, Mater, Luigi, Guido, Ramone, and Flo. The town’s decline is linked to the construction of Interstate 40, which diverts traffic away from Route 66.

The setting was inspired by real Route 66 communities and research trips taken by Pixar artists. Cars Land at Disney California Adventure later recreated Radiator Springs as a themed area, opening in 2012.