In Pixar's Cars 2, what is the name of the German weapon designer?

Professor Zündapp is the German weapon designer in Pixar’s Cars 2.

Professor Zündapp, often called Professor Z, is one of the film’s principal villains. He works with a group of criminals who use electromagnetic pulse weapons to create chaos during the World Grand Prix. The plan is designed to discredit Allinol, the alternative fuel promoted by Miles Axlerod, and to benefit interests connected to older petroleum-based fuel.

The character’s name and design evoke German engineering and the classic spy-thriller tradition. He is a small, sophisticated-looking car who operates behind the scenes while agents such as Grem and Acer carry out parts of the operation.

Cars 2 combines the franchise’s racing characters with espionage influences inspired by films such as the James Bond series. Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell investigate the conspiracy, while Mater becomes an accidental participant. Zündapp is not the same character as Axlerod, who is eventually revealed as the mastermind.