Which villainous professor appears in Pixar’s Cars 2?

Professor Zündapp is the villainous professor in Pixar’s Cars 2.

Professor Zündapp is a German scientist who works with the film’s criminal organization. He helps develop the plan involving Allinol, the alternative fuel promoted during the World Grand Prix. The plot uses the races as cover for a coordinated scheme involving remote-controlled cars.

The character is voiced by Thomas Kretschmann. His name and design evoke a Zündapp, the German motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1917, although the film’s character is a fictional car.

Cars 2 differs sharply from the first film by combining racing with spy-film conventions. Mater is mistaken for an American intelligence agent, while Lightning McQueen becomes involved because of his friendship with Mater and his participation in the World Grand Prix.