Originally Posted by
Fabrik8
Haldex systems aren't really AWD, they just have a locking center coupler (can't really call it a diff). So AWD on demand only. They're really FWD most of the time. I don't really think you can call it AWD though, not in the traditional sense.
What I'm trying to say is that I'm guessing that R32s have tire wear characteristics of a FWD car under normal street driving because of that.
Yes and no. The traditional Haldex setup is as you described. Both Haldex and a few aftermarket (IIRC) companies market Haldex control boxes that change this. Some make it a permanent AWD system and others change the bias.
And yes, R32s wear tires just like any other VR6 GTI/Jetta in the front. Everything is different in the rear, so they have their own characteristics back there. But the R32/GSD3 fiasco took place both front and rear.