In Pixar's Cars 2, Professor Zündapp is the villainous professor behind the plot against the World Grand Prix.
Professor Zündapp is a German-designed scientist and an associate of Miles Axlerod. He helps develop and deploy the electromagnetic weapon that causes competitors to suffer dangerous engine failures during the races. The plan is intended to discredit alternative fuels and create support for petroleum-based fuel.
The character's name is often shortened to Professor Z in descriptions of the film. His design and title connect him to the spy-thriller side of Cars 2, in which Mater is mistaken for an American secret agent and becomes involved with Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell.
Professor Zündapp is not the same character as Miles Axlerod, the former oil baron and World Grand Prix organizer who plays a larger role in the conspiracy. Acer is one of the lemon cars involved in the operation, while Finn McMissile works against it.