What route does Pixar’s Cars portray Radiator Springs as being located along?

Pixar’s Cars portrays Radiator Springs as being located along U.S. Route 66.

The historic highway is one of the film’s central settings and themes. Route 66 once connected Chicago and Santa Monica, crossing large areas of the American interior. After the Interstate Highway System diverted much long-distance traffic, many communities along the old road declined, a history reflected in Radiator Springs’ fading businesses and reduced visitors.

Lightning McQueen reaches the town after being separated from his transport truck and accidentally damaging the road. His forced stay introduces him to Doc Hudson, Sally Carrera, Mater, Ramone, Flo, and other residents.

Radiator Springs is fictional, but Pixar artists researched real Route 66 locations during development. The town combines details associated with several roadside communities rather than reproducing one exact place. The film’s road-trip premise therefore uses a fictional town to represent the broader history and atmosphere of historic Route 66.