In Pixar’s Cars 2, which villainous scientist is nicknamed Professor Z?

Professor Zündapp is the villainous scientist nicknamed Professor Z in Pixar’s Cars 2.

Professor Zündapp is a small German-designed car who works with the conspirators behind the World Grand Prix plot. He helps develop the electromagnetic pulse weapons used to sabotage racers and trigger public fear about Allinol, the alternative fuel promoted during the competition.

His name and visual presentation evoke fictional European scientific masterminds from classic spy stories. The character is voiced by Thomas Kretschmann, and his role places the film’s espionage storyline closer to a traditional international thriller than the small-town comedy of the first Cars.

Miles Axlerod is the public founder of the World Grand Prix and the main mastermind, not Professor Zündapp. Rod Redline is an American agent, while Finn McMissile is the British spy investigating the conspiracy.