The main difference being that the driver's side chassis rail on the AWD version was positioned closer to the lower sill.

The AWD Stageas fitted with an automatic transmission also featured a transfer case lock; this locked the transfer case in full 4WD and bypassed the ABS, g-force sensor inputs and ATTESA E-TS engine control unit which were all normally required for the AWD system to work.

In August 1997, the Stagea received minor changes to the model lineup, lasting until July 1998.

The 260RS uses the 2.6L RB26DETT coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and features ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive from the R33 GTR and a limited-slip rear differential.

[1] Other modifications include Brembo brakes, 17" BBS forged alloy wheels, body strengthening, an undercarriage protector, upgraded suspension, a front strut brace, a special rear stabilizer, Autech badging and an Autech bodykit that includes unique sideskirts, front bumper and tailgate spoiler.

Like other Japanese sports cars of the time, the 260RS officially produced 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) but most sources believe the actual horsepower to be higher.

It has the same engine choices, but they are the updated NEO version of the RB series and higher spec models included a tiptronic auto transmission.

From October 2001 to August 2004, the following range of models were available: The Autech Axis 350S was the only M35 chassis Stagea to ever be offered with a manual transmission and was produced from June 2003 to July 2004 There were a couple of sub-variants: In August 2004, the range was modified: Nissan ceased production of the Stagea in early June 2007, Nissan Japan stated that it would continue to sell the remaining stock of the vehicle but that production of the vehicle had ended.