“Cars 3.” © 2017 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Disney and Pixar’s “Cars 3” is the third installment in the beloved animated franchise set in a world populated entirely by talking cars. For many fans, it stands out as the strongest entry in the series, blending heartfelt storytelling with deep automotive inspiration. What truly sets the Cars franchise apart is its detailed mix of real-world car culture and Americana, woven into each character’s design.

Below, we take a closer look at the characters of Cars 3 and the real-life vehicles that inspired them, highlighting how Pixar translated iconic automotive designs into memorable on-screen personalities.

Lightning McQueen – Corvette

Our main hero (voiced by Owen Wilson), Cars 3 finds him is older and wearier, staring down the end of his professional racing career, not unlike NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt, Jr. While McQueen is not modeled directly after a specific make and model, the artists mixed and matched elements of the Chevrolet Corvette C6 and Corvette C1.

Cruz Ramirez – 2017 CRS Sports Coupe

She’s voiced by comedienne Cristela Alonzo and is the overly spunky character tasked with getting McQueen back into shape for the main big race. Like McQueen, she’s not directly based on a single car, but her design elements mix and match those of a 2017 Toyota 86/Scion FR-S and the 90s Honda Civic Del Sol.

Jackson Storm – 2002 Cadillac Cien Concept

Voiced by actor Armie Hammer, Jackson Storm is the quick, cocky, and friendless rival of McQueen. In the movie, he’s younger, fitter, and faster than the lead. He’s called a 2017 Custom-built “Next-Gen” Piston Cup Racer. In real life, he most resembles the 2002 Cadillac Cien supercar concept.

Strip “The King” Weathers – 1970 Plymouth Superbird

This “Dinoco-blue” veteran racecar (a 1970 Plymouth Superbird) is voiced by none other than real-life NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty. In the first film, he played a bit of a role as the Piston Cup’s incumbent champion, nearing retirement. Sadly, towards the end of the film, an accident left him badly injured. Torn between his old selfish desire to win and newfound kindness, McQueen himself gave up the chance at victory to carry Weathers across the finish line.

Sally Carrera – 996-Generation Porsche 911

Bonnie Hunt returns for Cars 3 as Sally Carrera, McQueen’s lawyer-turned-girlfriend. Sally is a 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera on a slightly shortened wheelbase. Her make/model reflects a class and sophistication that run at odds with her connection to the small town she hails from, one of the big plot threads from the first film. Sally is the only modern car in the town of Radiator Springs.

Mack – 1985 Mack Super-Liner

Voiced by Pixar alum John Ratzenberger, Mack is one of McQueen’s oldest friends and his main transport from race to race. A big old truck that’s a little clumsy but still has a heart of gold, it’s fitting that he’d be a 1985 Mack Super-Liner. That’s the same truck that NASCAR used to transport cars for decades.

Mater – 1951 Chevrolet Boom Truck

John “Tow” Mater, voiced by comedian Larry “The Cable Guy” Whitney, is Lightning McQueen’s best friend. A tow truck that’s seen quite a bit of mileage, Mater may come across as a typical small-town bumpkin, but he’s arguably a favorite among Cars’ younger fans. He’s a little rusty, but it’s clear he’s modeled after both the 1951 International Harvester tow truck and the 1951 Chevrolet boom truck (which is the same car). That truck was and is still used as a towing vehicle since it first came out.

The Cars movies are several of Pixar’s most successful features. This success can be attributed to the colorful cast that delights kids and the surprising amount of gearhead love that inspires adults. See these cars and more in Cars 3.

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