In Pixar's Cars 2, who is the villainous scientist working with the lemons?

In Pixar's Cars 2, Professor Zündapp is the villainous scientist working with the lemons.

Zündapp is an eccentric German-designed car who helps develop the plot to discredit alternative fuel during the World Grand Prix. He works with the criminal group known as the lemons, a collection of cars associated with historically unreliable or obscure automobile models. His scientific expertise supports the group's destructive plan.

The character is voiced by Thomas Kretschmann. His name and design are a reference to Zündapp, a real German manufacturer that produced motorcycles and other vehicles. Cars 2 uses the character to combine spy-film conventions with automotive history and international racing.

A common mistake is to identify Sir Miles Axlerod as the sole villain. Axlerod is the public organizer of the World Grand Prix and the mastermind behind the operation, while Zündapp is the scientist and technical collaborator. The film's story moves through several international locations, including Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London.