In Pixar’s Cars 2, who is the scientist and criminal mastermind known as Professor Z?

In Pixar’s Cars 2, the scientist and criminal mastermind known as Professor Z is Professor Otto Zündapp.

Professor Zündapp is the film’s principal villain and operates as part of the conspiracy behind the World Grand Prix. He is a small German-inspired vehicle with a laboratory role, and he works with the mysterious group trying to manipulate the race and create chaos through Allinol, the supposedly clean alternative fuel.

His title connects him to the film’s spy-thriller structure. While Mater becomes involved in international espionage by accident, Professor Zündapp is deliberately involved in the technical and criminal side of the plot. His plans help drive the story through locations including Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London.

Viewers sometimes confuse Professor Zündapp with Miles Axlerod, the former oil magnate who publicly promotes Allinol. Axlerod is the conspiracy’s more visible public figure, while Professor Zündapp is the scientist and operative called Professor Z. The character’s name is often written with the umlaut in “Zündapp.”