Toyota Carina II (A40) gallery (1977–1981)

Second generation Toyota Carina (A40 series) featuring crisp rectangular styling lines, TTC emissions technology, and independent rear suspension.

All photos 0 I (A10) 0 1970–1977 II (A40) 0 1977–1981 III (A60) 0 1981–1988 IV (T150) 0 1984–1988 V (T170) 0 1988–1992 VI (T190) 0 1992–1996 VII (T210) 0 1996–2001

The second generation Toyota Carina (A40/A50 series) debuted in August 1977. The exterior adopted crisp, formal rectangular proportions featuring prominent body creases and dual square headlamps. Body styles included two-door and four-door sedans, a pillarless two-door hardtop coupe, and a five-door station wagon. Interior refinements expanded passenger legroom, debuted an ergonomic dash with recessed instrumentation, and introduced improved acoustic soundproofing.

Engine offerings included 1.6-liter 12T and fuel-injected 2T-GEU (115 hp), 1.8-liter 13T, and 2.0-liter 18R-U, 21R-U, and twin-cam 18R-GEU (135 hp) gasoline units fitted with Toyota TTC catalytic technology. Transmissions were four- or five-speed manual gearboxes or a three-speed automatic. Top-tier GT sport trims benefited from a semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension. A 1979 facelift updated the front grille fascia and rear light reflectors.