In Pixar's Cars, which real-world highway inspired the town of Radiator Springs?

In Pixar's Cars, U.S. Route 66 inspired the town of Radiator Springs.

Pixar artists and filmmakers researched Route 66 to capture the look and atmosphere of the historic road. The highway connected Chicago and Santa Monica and became closely associated with roadside businesses, desert landscapes, motels, service stations, and long-distance travel.

In Cars, Radiator Springs loses traffic after a faster interstate route bypasses it. That fictional history reflects the experience of many real Route 66 communities. Interstate 40 replaced much of the route's long-distance function in the Southwest, although Route 66 remains an important cultural and tourism symbol. The film does not place Radiator Springs in a real town; it creates a composite community influenced by several locations and landmarks along the historic highway.