What California town is the main setting of Pixar's Cars?

Radiator Springs is the main setting of Pixar's Cars.

Lightning McQueen reaches Radiator Springs after accidentally leaving the interstate while traveling to the Piston Cup tiebreaker in California. His arrival leads to a court order requiring him to repair the town's damaged main road.

The fictional community is located along the historic Route 66. Its scenery and decline reflect real towns that lost traffic when newer interstate highways diverted travelers away from older roads. The film turns that historical change into the emotional background for the town's residents.

Radiator Springs includes landmarks such as Flo's V8 Café, Ramone's House of Body Art, and the Cozy Cone Motel. Its residents help McQueen understand community, friendship, and the value of slowing down rather than treating every journey as a race.