The Toyota Crown XI Athlete (S170) 2.5T 24V, produced between 1999 and 2001, represented a performance-oriented variant within the eleventh generation (S170) of Toyota’s flagship Crown sedan. Positioned as the sporty trim level, the Athlete aimed to attract a younger demographic seeking a blend of luxury and driving engagement. This generation of the Crown was exclusively offered in Japan, catering to the domestic market’s preference for larger, comfortable sedans with a focus on refinement and advanced technology. The S170 series, built on the Toyota “H” platform, continued the Crown’s long tradition of providing a premium driving experience, but the Athlete variant specifically emphasized performance through its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XI Athlete (S170) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 T 24V (280 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1999 year |
| End of production | 2001 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.7 kg/Hp, 175 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 kg/Nm, 236.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 280 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 112.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 378 Nm @ 2400 rpm, 278.8 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 1JZ-GTE |
| Engine displacement | 2491 cm3, 152.01 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm, 3.39 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 71.5 mm, 2.81 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l, 5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt |
| Coolant | 8 l, 8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1600 kg, 3527.4 lbs |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l, 18.72 cu. ft |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l, 18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal |
| Length | 4820 mm, 189.76 in |
| Width | 1765 mm, 69.49 in |
| Height | 1455 mm, 57.28 in |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm, 109.45 in |
| Front track | 1495 mm, 58.86 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1470 mm, 57.87 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 145 mm, 5.71 in |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.6 m, 34.78 ft |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 225/50 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown XI Athlete was the 1JZ-GTE, a 2.5-liter inline-six engine. This engine was a staple of Toyota’s performance lineup in the 1990s and early 2000s, known for its robust construction and tuning potential. The 1JZ-GTE featured a sequential twin-turbocharger system, which minimized turbo lag and provided a broad torque curve. The engine utilized multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its high specific output. The Athlete model was exclusively paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, designed to handle the engine’s substantial power. This transmission, while providing smooth shifts, wasn’t as responsive as a manual gearbox, a trade-off for ease of use and comfort.
Driving Characteristics
The 280 horsepower and 278.8 lb-ft of torque delivered by the 1JZ-GTE provided the Crown Athlete with noticeably quicker acceleration than other Crown variants. While not a dedicated sports car, the Athlete offered a spirited driving experience, particularly in the mid-range where the turbochargers provided significant boost. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did detract somewhat from the feeling of control, and gear changes weren’t as immediate as those found in a manual transmission. The rear-wheel-drive configuration contributed to a balanced feel, although the Crown’s considerable weight (approximately 3527 lbs) limited its agility in corners. Compared to the naturally aspirated engines available in other Crown models, the Athlete offered a significant performance advantage, but at the cost of some fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Athlete trim level included several features designed to enhance the driving experience and differentiate it from other Crown models. Standard equipment typically included sport seats with unique upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a more aggressive exterior styling package with a rear spoiler and unique alloy wheels. Optional extras included a premium sound system, navigation system, and electronically adjustable seats. The interior generally featured a dark color scheme with metallic accents, reinforcing the sporty theme. The Athlete trim was positioned as the mid-to-high range offering within the Crown lineup, bridging the gap between the more basic models and the ultra-luxury versions.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown Athlete featured a double wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, tuned for a balance of comfort and handling. The suspension was slightly stiffer than that of other Crown models, reducing body roll during cornering. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. While adequate for everyday driving, the braking system wasn’t particularly powerful, and lacked the stopping power expected of a performance-oriented vehicle. The standard tire size was 225/50 R16, providing a reasonable compromise between grip and ride comfort.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown XI Athlete was generally well-received in Japan, appealing to buyers who wanted a comfortable and refined sedan with a performance edge. Critics praised the engine’s power and smoothness, but some noted the automatic transmission’s lack of responsiveness. Compared to other turbocharged sedans of the era, the Crown Athlete offered a unique blend of luxury and performance, but it wasn’t as focused on outright sportiness as some of its rivals. Fuel economy was reasonable for a turbocharged engine of this size, but lower than that of the naturally aspirated Crown models. Reliability was generally good, consistent with Toyota’s reputation for building durable vehicles.
Legacy
The 1JZ-GTE engine has become a favorite among enthusiasts for its durability and tuning potential. The Crown Athlete, while not as widely known internationally as some other Japanese performance cars, has developed a cult following among collectors and enthusiasts. Today, well-maintained examples of the Crown XI Athlete are becoming increasingly rare and sought after. The powertrain, when properly maintained, is known for its longevity, although turbocharger wear and tear can be a concern on older examples. The Crown Athlete represents a unique chapter in Toyota’s history, showcasing the company’s ability to blend luxury, performance, and reliability in a compelling package.
