 Also in 1972, an optional floor shifter was introduced, but it did not function very well and saw limited sales.and Since 3 March 3, 1975 (from chassis number 10.06 948) the vehicle became the Wartburg 353 W. First shown in 1974, the 353 W received front disc brakes (of Czech manufacture) and many other safety changes such as rollbelts, a collapsible steering column, and dual circuit hydraulic brakes.The body remained unchanged.