In this 2017 Pixar animated film, Lightning McQueen faces a new generation of high-tech racers and seeks to prove he's still the best, with the help of a young trainer named Cruz Ramirez. What is the title of this third installment?

The animated film described, where Lightning McQueen confronts a new era of high-tech competitors and seeks to reaffirm his racing prowess with the guidance of young trainer Cruz Ramirez, is indeed Pixar's "Cars 3 (Review)." Released in 2017, this movie serves as the third installment in the popular "Cars" franchise, continuing the story of the beloved race car, number 95. The plot centers on McQueen's struggle to adapt to advanced technology and faster rivals like Jackson Storm, leading to a pivotal crash that forces him to re-evaluate his career.

"Cars 3" delves into themes of mentorship, aging, and finding new purpose, drawing inspiration from real-life athletes facing the twilight of their careers. To ensure authenticity, the filmmakers conducted extensive research, including visits to NASCAR museums and interviews with racing professionals, exploring the history of stock-car racing in the southeastern United States. This dedication to realism extended to the character designs, with Cruz Ramirez being a unique design challenge that blended American muscle car aesthetics with European sports car stylings.

The production of "Cars 3" involved a massive undertaking, with artists creating over 80,000 storyboards, though only a fraction made it into the final film. The movie also marked a return to the musical stylings of Randy Newman, who composed the score for the original "Cars" film. Despite being the lowest-grossing film in the franchise, "Cars 3" received generally positive reviews from critics, many of whom appreciated its emotional depth and thematic maturity compared to its predecessor.