my suggestion is how about a “smart” AWD system as seen in many crossover SUV’s (such as chevy traverse and ford escape) where they are FWD most of the time and activate the AWD when the front wheels start to slip, perhaps as a boost to drivability?
Not really worth the effort I would say. Those systems basically are “shit AWD” systems that are somewhere in between FWD and AWD in stats. Their problem is the very limited power transfer, they are not equal to AWD systems when they choose to, but lighter as a consequence. A bit of a marketing thing more than a performance choice - that’s what it seems like to me.
I think it’s a good idea, a lot of hot hatches like the VW Golf R and Mercedes A-Class A45 AMG use them.