The unique driving feel of every car largely depends on the precise tuning of its chassis. Today, that control extends beyond mechanical systems to advanced software-managed components like brakes, steering, suspension, and drivetrain. ZF’s cubiX software already coordinates these systems for optimal on-road performance. Now, the newly introduced cubiX Tuner extends this capability to the vehicle development stage, allowing manufacturers to calibrate thousands of actuator parameters efficiently. The tool uses automation to calculate complex interdependencies between components, enabling OEMs to configure a vehicle’s dynamic behavior – its “brand DNA” – with just a few adjustments, cutting time and costs in the development of new models.
From handling curves to controlling braking and acceleration, modern cars rely on coordinated control of multiple actuators, replacing purely mechanical setups with software-driven systems. ZF’s cubiX technology already manages these during vehicle operation, integrating both ZF and third-party actuators. However, tuning these systems before production has traditionally been labor-intensive. According to Philippe Gasnier, Head of Chassis Solutions Development at ZF, thousands of variables impact every possible driving condition. ZF’s cubiX Tuner now simplifies this process, using algorithms to manage core parameters while giving engineers the flexibility to fine-tune specific behaviors, dramatically accelerating chassis development, especially across varied drivetrain configurations.
As electric vehicles replace traditional combustion engines, much of a car’s distinct personality now depends on its chassis. ZF designed cubiX Tuner from the ground up to address this shift, allowing manufacturers to shape driving characteristics without needing deep software expertise. Combining decades of chassis expertise with AI-driven optimization, cubiX Tuner automates parameter adjustments. For instance, if an engineer wants to alter steering angles during cornering, the tool calculates all related changes automatically, generating an updated tuning map for the electronic control unit. The system supports both ZF and competitor components, offering a deep adjustment option via its Expert Mode.
To make adoption easy, ZF offers cubiX Tuner in two formats: a comprehensive PC version and a streamlined Lite version for mobile devices, supporting both Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto. Both versions include cloud backup and offline AI optimization. The tool also allows virtual testing of configurations before applying them to real vehicles, minimizing the need for repeated track trials.
ZF Group, a leading global supplier of mobility solutions, supports a range of transportation sectors, from passenger cars and commercial vehicles to construction machinery and renewable energy. Focused on reducing emissions and improving safety, ZF operates in 30 countries with over 161,600 employees and recorded revenues of €41.4 billion in 2024.
