Which villainous scientist leads the criminal plot in Pixar's Cars 2?

Professor Zündapp leads the criminal plot in Pixar's Cars 2.

Professor Zündapp is an inventor and scientist who works with the lemons, a group of cars associated with criminal activity. He helps organize attacks intended to discredit Allinol and create chaos around the World Grand Prix. His name and design reference the German Zündapp motorcycle company.

Miles Axlerod appears to be the public sponsor of the World Grand Prix and Allinol, but the film reveals that he is the mastermind behind the conspiracy. Professor Zündapp serves as a major operational figure and recurring antagonist during the spy storyline.

The character is often confused with Axlerod because both are tied to the villain plot. They are not the same character: Zündapp is the professor and field collaborator, while Axlerod is the hidden leader revealed near the end.