Who is revealed as the secret mastermind in Pixar's Cars 2?

Miles Axlerod is revealed as the secret mastermind in Pixar's Cars 2.

Axlerod is introduced as a former oil baron who organizes the World Grand Prix to promote Allinol, an alternative fuel. The event appears to be a global racing celebration, but a hidden conspiracy uses electromagnetic weapons to cause Allinol-powered cars to malfunction.

The plot eventually reveals that Axlerod orchestrated the scheme and arranged the attacks to discredit alternative fuel. He is also connected to the lemons, a group of historically unsuccessful car models seeking power and recognition. His plan is stopped after Mater uncovers the conspiracy.

A common mix-up is identifying Professor Zündapp as the ultimate mastermind. Zündapp is a major conspirator and works with Axlerod, but Axlerod is the character behind the larger operation. The film combines spy-thriller elements with the Cars setting and features international locations including Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London.