Which Pixar Cars film was released in 2017?

Cars 3 was released in 2017.

The film is the third main entry in Pixar’s Cars series, following Cars in 2006 and Cars 2 in 2011. It was directed by Brian Fee and produced by Kevin Reher. The story returns to the world of stock-car racing, where Lightning McQueen faces the rise of younger racers equipped with newer technology.

Cars 3 shifts back toward the grounded racing and character themes associated with the first film. Lightning works with Cruz Ramirez, a trainer whose own racing potential becomes increasingly important. The film’s climactic Florida 500 combines Lightning’s experience with Cruz’s opportunity to establish herself.

The movie’s release year is sometimes confused with Cars 2 because both sequels continued the same franchise, but they have very different premises. Cars 2, released in 2011, focuses on the World Grand Prix and an international spy plot. Cars 3 instead emphasizes mentorship, competition, retirement, and the transition between generations.