The idea of sharing common underpinnings among multiple car models goes back to the earliest days of the auto industry, when automakers would deliver a chassis upon which independent coachbuilders would install distinct bodies. Now, a leading Chinese automaker aims to eclipse anything we’ve seen before, unveiling a highly modular platform it says will underpin more than 50 distinct models. The platform is designed to support vehicles across multiple size segments and up to five different powertrain types, including internal-combustion, pure electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel-cell configurations. GWM Dealership GWMFor plug-in hybrid models, GWM will deploy its 800-volt Super Hi4 hybrid all-wheel-drive system. GWM says more than 50 models will ultimately be derived from the architecture, from minicars to full-size vehicles.