Former Chrysler executive, Chris Theodore recently unveiled what he described as a solution for automakers required to increase fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle weight. Best known for his work with the Dodge Viper, PT Cruiser and Chrysler minivans, developed this new chassis concept to better lower production costs, weight savings, and can even help electric vehicles become more economically viable.

In its current form, the Uni-Chassis employs a Ford GT powertrain and suspension, while eliminating the frame. This is done by tying the front and rear powertrain and suspension components to a rigid central “backbone.” The Uni-Chassis can also support battery packs for hybrid applications without the need for an additional support structure.

Theodore spent 12 years with Chrysler as a product executive before the “merger of equals” between Chrysler and Mercedez-Benz, joining Ford Motor Co. in 1999 as the North American Product Chief and Vice President of Advanced Product Creation.

After retiring from Ford in 2004, he opened his own consulting firm, Theodore & Associates, in 2009, who showed the new Uni-Chassis at the SAE World Congress earlier this week. Theodore is currently investigating specialty vehicles, plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles, and battery-electric vehicles applications to his Uni-Chassis platform.