Cars 3 is the title of Pixar’s third theatrical Cars film, released in 2017. The film returns the focus to Lightning McQueen’s racing career after the international spy adventure of Cars 2.
In Cars 3, Lightning faces Jackson Storm, a younger racer whose advanced technology and training give him a major advantage. A serious crash leads Lightning to reconsider how he can compete and what kind of future he wants.
The story introduces Cruz Ramirez, who begins as Lightning’s trainer and eventually becomes a racer. The film explores mentorship, changing generations, and the difference between winning alone and helping another competitor succeed.
Cars 3 was directed by Brian Fee, who had worked on the earlier Cars films as a storyboard artist. It is a theatrical sequel, distinct from the animated shorts and television productions connected with the franchise.