Pixar's animated film Cars was first released in 2006.
The film premiered on May 26, 2006, at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, before its wider theatrical release on June 9. It was Pixar's seventh feature film and was directed by John Lasseter, Joe Ranft, and Jorgen Klubien.
Cars introduced audiences to Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally Carrera, and the residents of Radiator Springs. Its story combines racing with a small-town journey inspired by America's historic Route 66. The film was also the last Pixar feature released during Disney's original distribution partnership with the studio before Disney completed its acquisition of Pixar.
Cars earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature and began a franchise that expanded with Cars 2, Cars 3, short films, television series, and theme-park attractions.