Cars 3 was the first Pixar Cars film to feature Cruz Ramirez.
Cruz Ramirez is introduced in Cars 3 as Lightning McQueen’s high-performance trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She initially approaches training through data, simulation, and modern racing technology, while Lightning is an experienced racer struggling to adapt to younger competitors.
As the story develops, Cruz becomes more than a trainer. Her own racing ability and ambitions become central to the film, and Lightning eventually recognizes that her talents should be given a chance. The character creates a generational contrast with Lightning and shows how mentorship can work in both directions.
Cruz does not appear in the original Cars or in Cars 2, whose major new racing characters include Francesco Bernoulli and other World Grand Prix competitors. She is also different from Sally Carrera, Lightning’s friend and romantic interest. Cars 3 premiered in 2017 and was directed by Brian Fee.