Cars 3 is the third film in Pixar's Cars franchise.
The film was released in 2017, following Cars in 2006 and Cars 2 in 2011. It returns the series' main focus to Lightning McQueen's racing career after the international spy adventure of Cars 2.
A new generation of high-tech racers, led by Jackson Storm, threatens Lightning's position on the track. Lightning trains with Cruz Ramirez and faces the question of how an experienced champion can adapt while helping the next generation.
Cars 3 is sometimes confused with Cars 2 because both films feature major races and international-looking competition. Their stories differ sharply: Cars 2 centers on espionage and the World Grand Prix, while Cars 3 is primarily a sports drama about competition, mentorship, and legacy.