Seventh generation (1996–2001) T210 series
The 7th-generation Carina was limited to a sedan version produced only for the Japanese market. The car shared few similarities with the its sister model the Corona Premio which was marketed in some Asian countries. The Model T190 inherited the system as the basic platform.
In 1996, along with the base model "Ti" (1500 cc-2200 cc), a sports "GT" version was introduced with 5 valves per cylinder 4A-GE 'black top' engine and 5-speed C56 manual transmission. In 1998, the GT was equipped with a 6-speed C160 manual transmission. The station wagon/commercial van was no longer offered, having been replaced by the Toyota Caldina, and Toyota offered the Toyota Ipsum, a five-door wagon in the style of a MPV as an alternative. The Ipsum offered front-wheel drive, with optional AWD, borrowed from the Caldina. Besides, the rare 4WD model "Si" ST215, equipped with 3S-FE engine and optitron instrument panel existed. Suspension parts was shared with the Caldina ST215 4WD.
Front and door panels, seats and the instrument panel of the T210 Corona Premio was shared with the Carina. With the new Corona Premio, Toyota's first collision-safety body "GOA" was adopted. The 7A-FE engine was an 1800-cc type RINBAN, the 5A-FE was 1500 cc, and the 2C-TE series was equipped with a 2000-cc turbo-diesel. The 1600-cc version of the 4A-FE-RINBAN was no longer offered.[citation needed]
A "GT" sports version was based on the AT210 model. The engine was shared with the top-of-the-line AE111 Corolla Levin and Toyota Sprinter Trueno (a high-revving 4A-GE producing 165 PS and red-lining at 8000 rpm, known as the "black top"). The GT spec came with an optional manual transmission found in the AE101-AE111 Corolla Levin/Trueno of that period, which was a 5-speed manual transmission (C56-transmission series). In 1997, a Limited model equipped with few extra features was introduced, known as the "GT PIERNA". GT with color black was limited to "GT PIERNA".
August 1998 brought minor changes in design. The headlamps and tail lights were given a makeover for a refreshing look and feel. Slight alterations were also made to the bumpers. The 2000 cc diesel engine of the Ti model was expanded to 2200 cc. The GT model was distinguished by the front grille where, instead of the "CARINA" emblem in the middle, the letters "GT" were placed in red, black and nickel. In addition, the GT was equipped with the same 6-speed short-shifter manual transmission as the Corolla Levin/Trueno C160-series which came with a limited-slip differential (LSD). The diameter of the disc brake was increased and the wheel diameter was increased to 15 inches (380 mm). Tyre size for the stock GT was 195-55-R15. Along with a front strut bar, reinforcements to the rear part of the vehicle were added to bind the left and right rear sash to a support and the rear back head. These came stock and were aimed to improve overall stiffness and handling of the vehicle. The GT version came with a stylish stock front bumper body kit, side skirts and rear bumper spoilers and an optional large rear spoiler. A darker sporty fabric was used for the upholstery to match the sporty and aggressive
from vikipedia