In Pixar's Cars 2, Professor Zündapp develops the electromagnetic weapon used against the racers.
Professor Zündapp is an evil German scientist who works with the criminal group behind the plot to discredit Allinol. The weapon causes cars using the fuel to react violently or crash, allowing the villains to create the impression that the alternative fuel is dangerous.
His name and design draw on classic spy-film villain conventions. He operates as one part of a larger conspiracy rather than as the public face of the World Grand Prix. The central mastermind is Miles Axlerod, who uses the races and the fuel controversy to advance his own plan.
That distinction causes frequent confusion: Axlerod is the hidden leader, while Zündapp is the scientist responsible for the weapon. Finn McMissile and Rod Redline are agents connected to the investigation, not villains who create the device.