Professor Otto Wolfgang Zündapp (usually known as Professor Z, Professor Zündapp, or simply Zündapp) is the secondary antagonist of Pixar's 12th full-length animated feature film Cars 2. He is an evil German scientist and weapons designer who is Miles Axlerod's second-in-command and the co-leader of the Lemons.
He designed the EMP weapon to sabotage the World Grand Prix and served as the leader of the greedy Lemons. But it turns out he was actually Miles Axlerod's second in command and was arrested in London, United Kingdom by the British Police, he was sentenced to life in prison.
Not much is known about Professor Zündapp's past, but according to his Cars 2: The Video Game bio, he was tied to being a failed car model that never achieved recognition, fueling his resentment. Before turning to villainy, he is implied to have been a scientist or engineer, possibly respected in his field. His knowledge of alternative fuels, weaponry, and technology points to a career in advanced research.
After that, he turned his brilliance toward vengeance, becoming the mastermind of the Lemons and orchestrating the World Grand Prix sabotage to keep the oil industry in power.
In Cars 2, when C.H.R.O.M.E. agent Finn McMissile makes his way onto one of the Lemons' oil rigs in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, he attempts to secretly gather information on a suspicious weapon supposedly in Zündapp's possession. McMissile is surprised to discover it has the appearance of the camera. However, after McMissile catches a glimpse fellow agent Leland Turbo's corpse, he is discovered, and chased off the platform. McMissile manages to fake his death while successfully escaping, and the Lemons are relieved to supposedly have a dangerous enemy out of the way.
Zündapp introduces the camera to Redline.
After American C.H.R.O.M.E. agent Rod Redline is captured by Grem and Acer, he is brought to the Lemons' hideout, where Zündapp explains the purpose of the weapon, using Redline as a test subject. Zündapp introduces it as an electromagnetic pulse device, which, when reacting with Miles Axlerod's alternative fuel Allinol, will cause an explosive reaction. After the Lemons figure out who Redline gave his collection of information to, the Lemons fire the camera at full power, killing the agent.
The Lemons settle on their next target.
With Mater in possession of vital information, Zündapp orders his henchman to find the tow truck and kill him. During the first World Grand Prix race in Tokyo, the Lemons use the camera to damage the engines of the contestants, creating bad publicity for Allinol. The Lemons continue this practice through the second race in Porto Corsa. While Grem and Acer are doing so, a meeting takes place between several major Lemon crime bosses in the casino. Zündapp attends the meeting, where he further explains his plans to his allies. Deciding more work needs to be done to truly shut down Allinol, the Lemons decide to kill at least one of the remaining contestants before it's too late, and they choose Lightning McQueen because he decided to stick with Allinol despite its bad image.
Zündapp reacts to Mater's revelation.
Unbeknownst to the Lemons, Mater had been attending the meeting as well, while disguised as Ivan, one of the Lemons' tow trucks. As McQueen is his best friend, Mater objects to his murder, accidentally revealing his identity. The Lemons attack Mater, but he manages to escape the casino by use of his computer. However, as Mater is making his way to McQueen to warn him, he is captured and sprayed with sleeping gas, which causes him to pass out. When Mater awakens, he finds himself tied up in Big Bentley, alongside McMissile and Holley Shiftwell. Grem and Acer explain that they have placed a bomb in McQueen's pit, and after they leave, Mater manages to free himself, and he begins making his way to Lightning's pit.
McMissile pursuits Zündapp
Meanwhile, Zündapp's henchmen are preparing to use the camera to take out McQueen. When Grem lines up the shot and attempts to fire, nothing happens, much to everyone's surprise.
When Mater arrives, his friends are rejoiced to be reunited with him, as his whereabouts have been unknown for days. As Mater explains the bomb, he discovers that the bomb is actually strapped to him, in place of his air filter. When McQueen drives up, Mater attempts to explain the situation to him, but he is not very clear, and McQueen misunderstands his statements of "I'm the bomb!" as being self-compliments. Mater attempts to drive away from McQueen, but Lightning follows him, and the two drive together until they find themselves alongside Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell, cornered by the Lemons.
At the same time McQueen chases Mater, Zündapp prepares to detonate the bomb with a remote device. When Lightning McQueen hooks onto Mater, Zündapp hits the detonator. However, due to Mater's rockets, the two travel out of range, leaving the switch unable to detonate, horrifying and enraging Zündapp. While he is angrily pressing the switch to no avail before giving up, Shiftwell comes up to him with her taser, angry at him for tying her up and locking her in the clock tower and trying to kill Mater and McQueen. Frightened, he quickly starts speeding away towards his combat ship, Tony Trihull. Finn McMissile takes pursuit from there, and as Trihull attempts to pull him in with his magnet, Finn releases magnetic detonators, blowing up the ship. Finn captures Zündapp, and ties him up with wires.
Zündapp in captivity where he is captured by Finn and Holley.
Before a street brawl between the C.H.R.O.M.E. agents, the Radiator Springs residents, and the Lemons, Zündapp furiously ask McQueen why the camera didn't work on him, but McMissile and Shiftwell force him to deactivate the voice-activated bomb. However, they are surprised to find Zündapp was not the one who activated it and he was telling the truth, for once, which annoys Finn and Holley, he then annoyed the heroes by asking if anyone would like to try. With that, Holley furiously tased Zündapp with the help of and for Finn McMissile. After the brawl he is last seen arrested by Sheriff and police from Scotland Yard.
Cars 2: The Video Game[]
Zündapp in the garage.
In Cars 2: The Video Game, Zündapp is the primary antagonist of the Hunter missions. While waves of henchman are sent to attack the player, Zündapp watches from his helicopter. On rare occasions, Zündapp's helicopter will swoop down while the Professor attempts to attack the player. A large bonus is awarded if the player manages to hit him.
Additionally, Zündapp is an unlockable playable character, available once the "Capitol View" crest is obtained. He is a light character, and focuses on speed rather than power. An alternate version of Zündapp called "Young Professor Z" can be also be unlocked by earning the "Master Agent" crest. Both versions of Zündapp have the same identical stats.
Cars 2: The Video Game (DS and 3DS)[]
In Cars 2: The Video Game (DS and 3DS), Zündapp is the primary antagonist in the game’s Story Mode. He first appears at the end of the Recon field mission where he is seen unboxing a mysterious camera. Afterwards, he supposedly discovers Finn McMissile during his escape. He then appears during the Escape mission, where he tries to blow up the bridge that Finn is trying to cross. However, his attempt is unsuccessful when the bridge appears to connect to the lower level. Approaching him while on his level will always end in failing the mission. Upon completing the mission, he is possibly the one who says the ending text (“You let him escape you fools!”).
C.H.R.O.M.E Mode[]
Additionally, Zündapp is a playable character in the game’s C.H.R.O.M.E mode. In the 3DS version, he is available right from the start. In the DS version, he must be unlocked by entering the spy code 478282.
Zündapp doesn’t appear a lot in the C.H.R.O.M.E mode, only appearing as an opponent in the Lemon Cup. However, depending on the player's choice of character, he can potentially appear as an extra opponent in the Spy Cup and the Oil Cup. Like Grem and Acer, he is equipped with the Ram ability which means he is faster on dirt than on asphalt.
Zündapp also has 2 additional themes which are his Lab Coat, which is a black and white paint job, and his Two-Tone, where he is given a darker blue-like appearance. His Lab Coat appearance can be unlocked by entering the spy code 984417 on the DS or by winning either the Germany 1 Challenge or Germany 2 Challenge in Single Race Mode on the 3DS. His Two-Tone appearance can be unlocked by completing the mission “A Closer Look” in Story Mode, making this the only appearance that is unlocked through Story Mode instead of C.H.R.O.M.E.
Kinect Rush: A Disney/Pixar Adventure[]
In Kinect Rush: A Disney/Pixar Adventure, Zündapp appears on pictures that the player has to hit to get extra points when a new goal is unlocked in the first Cars level.
In the second level, he is heard talking as he tries to stop the player and Holley Shiftwell from deactivating the bomb on Francesco Bernoulli. He makes a physical appearance in the third level. He is in the helicopter with a convoy of trucks full of bombs. Throughout the level, he tries to stop Finn McMissile and the player from finding out where the bombs are being taken. In the ending cutscene, he shoots a missile at the player while in midair, but the player dodges the missile and pushes Zündapp out of the helicopter before the missile hits the helicopter. Finn asks Zündapp if everyone is all right in there, only that he replies saying no thanks due to Finn, who then says, "No thanks required, mate. All in a day's work." When the level is completed with the player seeing their score and what they unlocked, Zündapp is seen with a parking boot, as to prevent him getting away.
General information[]
Personality and traits[]
On the surface, Professor Zündapp appears to be surly, stolid, and is rarely seen smiling. Beneath however, however, lies a cruel, cold-hearted, power-hungry, and ruthless terrorist who will do anything for a quick buck no matter how vile. Much like with his henchmen, constant ridicule for his performance flaws further fueled his misanthropic, anti-social tendencies and helped take him down a darker path.
Despite being second-in-command to Miles Axlerod, it can be argued that Zündapp is the more dangerous of the two due to his more sadistic nature, showing little emotion while his henchmen tortured Rod Redline (and later being the one to finish off the agent), giving an order for Mater, a civilian, to be killed despite the fact that the tow truck does not possess any immediate threat to their operation outside of having the picture of Miles Axlerod's engine, and later giving him a "front-row seat" for the supposed death of his best friend during the final race in London. He also seems to show little care for Miles and vice-versa, with their relationship being purely based off of their professions.
Zündapp also possesses a higher level of intelligence compared to his henchmen, being able to construct a machine that can emit electromagnetic radiation to play havoc with the racers using Allinol during the World Grand Prix while sporting the characteristics of a regular television camera as to not draw suspicion. He was also able to detect Rod Redline's reaction when a picture of Mater was shown to him during his interrogation.
Appearance[]
Zündapp is a 1958 Kleinwagen 250, a fictional model that is heavily based on the 1957 Zündapp Janus (as his name suggests). The majority of his front end and rear end, along with the top-half of his cab, are painted light turquoise, while the majority of his sides are painted in a deeper shade of turquoise. He has an emblem on both of his front fenders that reads "Z250" along with a monocle over his left eye in the place of his rearview mirror. Much like with his henchmen, several areas of Zündapp's body have deteriorated over time due to a lack of proper maintenance. Examples of this include noticeable rust patches on his rims and undercarriage and a heavily damaged roof rack (which resembles a comb over; though this feature is rarely absent in non-film appearances). He has a top speed of 50 mph (55 mph downhill), which could be reached in 12 seconds and can't reach 60 like most cars. His engine is a 2-stroke single cylinder 250 cc (as his model name implies), with a horsepower of 14.
Weaponry and Gadgets[]
Helicopter: Zündapp can be seen riding in his helicopter throughout several missions in Cars 2: The Video Game. The aircraft sports a missile launcher, which he'll often use to fire at the player.
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Emitter: This weapon was designed to emit electromagnetic energy and cause an explosive reaction with any car unlucky enough to be using Allinol, while mimicking the characteristics of a regular WGP broadcasting camera. It is first used to kill Rod Redline before being turned upon several of the competing racers throughout the first two World Grand Prix races.
Missile launcher: His Quick Changers diecast model features twin missile launchers that pop out of either side of him when he collides into something or when his rear window is pressed.
Development[]
Originally, Zündapp was not added into the story of Cars 2, nor was Axlerod, as the filmmakers were supposed to use a Russian character named Zil. Zil would have been the lemons' leader, with the same evil plan of forcing the world to put alternative energy out of use. However, the filmmakers decided not to use the character, and they used Zündapp and Axlerod instead.
In terms of development, Zündapp's character was designed to be an intimidating and clever antagonist. His mechanical design, with sharp features and a pointed front, emphasizes his menacing role. His voice, provided by comedian and actor Thomas Kretschmann, adds to the cold, calculating nature of the character.
Professor Z for some reason is always referred by his real name only by Finn McMissile. However, McMissile refers to him as "Professor Z" in the cutscene of the start of Cars 2: The Video Game. And although McMissile and his voice actor Michael Caine are British, McMissile pronounces the "Z" in Zündapp's name the American way ("Z" in American is pronounced "zee" while in Britain is pronounced "zaid"). However, it could be that the "Z" in his name is always pronounced "zee" even in Britain (when referring to Professor Z) in that cutscene. It could also be that all people pronounce the "Z" in his name the American way. Also, although Professor Z pronounces "missile" in the British way (miss-i-all), he pronounces "can't" in the American way.
"Professor Zündapp, aka "The Professor," is an internationally-wanted weapons designer in a small, sophisticated German package. He is a brilliant but mad monocle-wearing scientist who is plotting to sabotage the World Grand Prix. Though his true motive is unclear, Professor Z is willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate all obstacles and keep the "project" on schedule."
Cars 2: The Video Game[]
Professor Zündapp
Bio
"The intelligent, manipulative mad scientist uses his talents for evil. His weapons are as sophisticated as they are destructive. His mission is to sabotage the World Grand Prix races and destroy the racers."
Stats
Weight: Light
Speed to Power ratio: 70:30
Torque to Nitro Ratio: 0.42857142857:15
Young Professor Zündapp
Bio
"When you remove the years of villainy and rust, Professor Zündapp is a young, bespectacled car with his sights set on world domination."
Russian: Профессор Цундапп (transcription: Professor Tsundapp)
Spanish: Profesor Zündapp
Chinese:兹博士
Vietnamese: Giáo sư Z
Ukrainian:
Професор Зундапп
Професор Цундапп
Професор Зі
Професор Зет
Професор Z
Trivia[]
When he opened the door to the lemons' meeting, he says, "Guten Tag." "Guten Tag" is German for "Good day."
Also, another German word he said is, "Wunderbar!" when he is informed by Grem that Finn McMissile is "dead". Wunderbar is a German word for "marvelous", "terrific", or "wonderful".
His voice actor, Thomas Kretschmann is German himself like his character.
Zündapp's license plate reads "BAD GA 58," which holds several meanings:
Most of the letters included spell out the words, "bad guy."
The number "58" is a reference to the second and final year of the Zündapp Janus' production (1958).
German license plate rules also state that the first 1-3-letter abbreviation represents the city where the car registered. "BAD" is assigned to his hometown, Baden-Baden.
Coincidentally, despite being German, when he shouts "It's the American spy!" when Mater reveals himself back to normal, his accent briefly sounds American.
Although Zündapp knows Finn McMissile, Holley never says his name since she doesn't knows him at all.
Along with Grem, Acer, Miles Axlerod and Victor Hugo, Zündapp is playable in Cars 2: The Video Game, even though they are villains, as well as all five should be defeated and residing in the London Prison like the rest of the lemons, as the game takes place shortly after the second film. However, it could be that, along with the tracks, they are part of the simulation.
Zündapp is always referred to by his real name by Finn McMissile. However, McMissile refers to him as his nickname, "Professor Z", in the cutscene of the start of Cars 2: The Video Game. And although McMissile and his voice actor, Michael Caine are British, McMissile pronounces the "Z" in Zündapp's name in the American way ("Z" in America and Canada is pronounced "zee", while in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, it is pronounced "zed"). However, it could be that the "Z" in his name is always pronounced "zee" even in Britain (when referring to Professor Z) in that cutscene. Or it could be that all people pronounce the "Z" in his name the American way. Also, although Zündapp pronounces "missile" in the British way (miss-i-all), he pronounces "can't" in the American way.
Although Miles Axlerod is Zündapp's boss, the latter is a better weapon designer and more dangerous and drove most of the film’s plot more than Axlerod.
Although Zündapp nervously tried to deactivate the bomb, Holley and Finn never wanted to listen or talk to him since they have nothing to do with him due to his attempts to kill McQueen and Mater and him telling the truth, because they didn't have the time to deactivate the bomb on Mater until it is deactivated by Miles Axlerod at the end.
He once mentioned in the meeting at the Italy arena that Allinol will really perish forever, which also means that he does not fully understand Allinol.
In reality, Allinol was regular gasoline, which was engineered to explode under the impulse of an electromagnetic beam, Rather than real new energy gasoline.
It is also possible that Zündapp only focuses on destroying alternative fuels let everyone can switch back to using his Oil Rig of oil.
Pixar technically didn't create Zündapp's traits. His traits were given from Zil, a Russian car who was originally intended to be the main antagonist of Cars 2 before being replaced by Zündapp and Miles Axlerod.
For some reason, Zündapp's die-cast model in the 1:55 scale line hasn't been released since 2012, that being the 2-pack including him and Acer with helmet.
Likewise in 2023, Zündapp returned as an exclusive vehicle for the Mini Racers line.
Zündapp (although he is supposed to be in London Prison) appears in a Polish Cars Official Magazine comic for the 2022 Disney+ and Pixar series Cars on the Road, he appeared with two new yellow henchpitties (who are two Alza Tutto Forklifts) kidnapped Mater and The Queen of England.[1]
Quotes[]
"It's Finn McMissile! He's seen the camera! Kill him!!!" - Cars 2
"With Finn McMissile gone, who can stop us now?" - Cars 2
Unwelcome Aboard • In Plane Sight • Fast Friends • Airport Invasion • There's No Place Like Chrome • Oil Rig Showdown • Hit the Road • World Grand Prix • Runway Invasion • Porto Corsa Invasion • Objects in Mirror • Airport Showdown • Burning the Midnight Oil • Coastal Invasion • Runway Runaway • Harbor Hassle • Power Surge • London Showdown • Foe Interior • Hit or McMissile • Unfriendly Competition • Air Power • Rush Delivery • Italy Showdown • Tokyo Invasion • Save the Queen • Sour Lemons • Lightning the Mood • Home Security • Tokyo Showdown
