Lightning McQueen is a hotshot rookie racecar, poised to become the youngest car ever to win the Piston Cup Championship. He has just two things on his mind: winning and the perks that come with it. Fame, money, groupies, helicopters... it's everything he's dreamed of, but that's about the change. When McQueen gets lost in the forgotten town of Radiator Springs, he's introducted to a group of new friends that challenge him to reconsider the car he wants to be.

Mater is a good ol' boy with a big heart and the only tow truck in Radiator Springs. Mater runs Tow-Mater Towing and Salvage and manages the local impound lot. Though a little rusty, he has the quickest towrope in Carburetor County and is always the first to lend a helping hand. Mater sees the bright side of any situation and is the first to befriend McQueen.

Sally is a beautiful 2002 Porsche 911 from California who grew tired of life in the fast lane and made a new start in the small town of Radiator Springs. Charming, intelligent, and witty, she is the town attorney and the car most dedicated to preserving and reviving the town with the hopes that one day it will get "back on the map."

Doc Hudson is a 1951 Hudson Hornet, a seemingly quiet country doctor who runs the local "medical clinic" (mechanic shop) in Radiator Springs. Though he's a car of few words, Doc is respected and admired by the townsfolk for the way he looks out for their health and tends to their aches and pains. Doc ends up teaching McQueen lessons he can apply both on and off the track.

Ramone is a 1959 Impala low-rider who owns and operates Ramone's House of Body Art, the local custom body and paint shop. Ramone is an artist - a true magician with paint and metal, but he hasn't had anyone to paint in years. So for now, his only canvas is himself; he repaints himself daily.

Flo is a 1950's show car - a sassy, no-nonsense lady, with the biggest heart in town. She runs the local diner, Flo's V-8 Cafe, the only gas station for miles around, where she still serves the "finest fuel in fifty states." While traveling across country as a glamorous Motorama girl, Flo passes through Radiator Springs and met Ramone. It was love at first sight and the two have been married ever since.

The King, Strip Weathers, is a 1970 Plymouth Superbird and a racing legend. He has won more Piston Cup races than any other car in history, but has managed to keep his priorities straight. He's a down-home guy who knows that it takes more than trophies to make a true champion. Above all else, The King values hard work and sticking together as a team. He is planning on retiring at the end of the season and Lightning McQueen would give up just about anything to fill his treads.

Mack is a 1985 Mack Super-Liner and McQueen's trusted driver. Though McQueen may not realize it, in the racing world, Mack is McQueen's one true friend. He may look like a typical trailer on the outside, but inside Mack's trailer is nothing but posh luxury.