Route 66 was the original working title of Pixar's film Cars during development.
The title reflected the movie's strong connection to U.S. Route 66, the historic highway that inspired the fictional setting and the story's interest in roadside towns. Pixar later changed the title to Cars, a shorter name that emphasized the film's vehicle characters and broad appeal.
The final story follows Lightning McQueen through Radiator Springs, a town whose fortunes declined after Interstate 40 diverted traffic away from older highway routes. The film's visual research drew on real places, road trips, and classic American automotive culture.
Route 66 should not be confused with the film's fictional town, Radiator Springs, or the Piston Cup racing competition. The development title is a behind-the-scenes fact rather than a location or object shown as a central named element in the completed movie.