In Pixar’s Cars 2, which spy car is revealed to be the film’s main villain?

Miles Axlerod is revealed as the main villain of Pixar’s Cars 2.

Axlerod is introduced as a former oil magnate who supposedly became the first car to circle the world and then converted himself into an electric vehicle. He organizes the World Grand Prix, a global race intended to promote Allinol, a new alternative fuel.

The film’s spy story eventually exposes Axlerod’s plan. He secretly uses electromagnetic pulses to make cars running on Allinol lose control or explode. The attacks are designed to make the fuel look dangerous and preserve the dominance of petroleum. Axlerod is also revealed to have been the mysterious mastermind directing Professor Zündapp and the other criminals.

Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell are spies who investigate the conspiracy, so they are heroes rather than villains. Professor Zündapp is a major henchman, which can make him seem like the central antagonist, but Axlerod is the character behind the entire scheme. Cars 2 broadens the series from local racing and small-town relationships into an international espionage adventure.