In Pixar's Cars 2, which villain is an inventor named Professor Z?

Professor Zündapp is the villainous inventor known as Professor Z in Pixar's Cars 2.

Professor Zündapp is a German scientist who works with the secretive forces behind the World Grand Prix plot. He helps develop the electromagnetic pulse device used to sabotage competitors and manipulate the race series.

The character is voiced by Thomas Kretschmann in the English version. Cars 2 expands the franchise from Radiator Springs and stock-car racing into an international spy adventure involving locations such as Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London.

Professor Z is often confused with Miles Axlerod, the former oil baron and central mastermind of the scheme. Finn McMissile is also sometimes mistaken for a villain, but he is a British spy who investigates the conspiracy. Zündapp is the scientist and weapons inventor, not the political organizer.