NISSAN WILL FOLLOW UP its successful launch of the 350Z coupe and roadster with a series of running changes that will appear on 2004-model Zs now arriving in U.S. showrooms. Nissan already incorporated most of the changes into Japan-market Zs, including significant interior upgrades, suspension tuning and brake system improvements.

Inside, Nissan focuses first on the front and center console, specifically the flimsy, manually operated upper instrument panel compartment cover. The new lid is more robust, with power operation on cars with satellite navigation. The center console, gauge hoods and instrument pods get a special ¡§soft-feel¡¨ treatment intended to inject a touch of higher quality into the interior

And how about this for those road warriors who¡¦ve grown weary of bruised extremities: ¡¦04 Zs come with cushy kneepads for both driver and passenger, and the driver¡¦s right elbow even gets its own special padding on the center console. Further interior updates include the addition of seatbelt ¡§service arms¡¨ that eliminate the need to reach far behind the seatback to grab the belts, and a redesigned shifter for automatic models.

2004 models also benefit from Nissan¡¦s decision to adopt a Euro-tuned suspension setup for all 350Zs, a handling setup that Nissan says provides a much better ride and better overall suspension compliance. The Brembo brake system gets tandem brake master cylinders replacing the earlier model¡¦s single cylinder.