What town is the setting for much of Pixar’s Cars?

Radiator Springs is the town where much of Pixar’s Cars takes place.

The fictional desert community sits along a former route through the American Southwest. Lightning McQueen arrives there after leaving the road while trying to reach the decisive Piston Cup race. A court order requires him to repair the town’s main road, keeping him in Radiator Springs long enough to form meaningful relationships.

The town’s design was inspired by U.S. Route 66, whose roadside communities declined after interstate highways diverted traffic. Pixar artists traveled along Route 66 and studied its landmarks, architecture, landscapes, and local history. Several Radiator Springs locations reflect classic roadside attractions and motoring culture.

Radiator Springs is not the setting of every Cars story. Cars 2 travels through international locations including Tokyo, London, and Porto Corso, while Cars 3 uses places such as the Rust-eze Racing Center and the Florida International Super Speedway. Radiator Springs nevertheless remains the franchise’s emotional home.