Which Pixar Cars movie introduced Cruz Ramirez?

Cars 3 introduced Cruz Ramirez.

Cruz is a highly skilled trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center, where she helps prepare racers with modern technology and data-driven techniques. She initially trains Lightning McQueen, who is struggling to compete against a new generation of faster cars.

The film gradually reveals that Cruz has racing ability of her own. Her childhood dream was to become a racer, but she abandoned it after assuming that she did not fit the traditional image of a champion. Lightning’s experiences help her reconsider that goal.

Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. Cars 3 was released in 2017 and focuses on the transition between generations in professional racing. Its story gives both Lightning and Cruz a character arc: Lightning learns to become a mentor, while Cruz gains the confidence to compete.