The Toyota Crown XIII Athlete (S200, facelift 2010) represents a significant iteration of Toyota’s flagship sedan, produced from 2010 to 2012. This variant, distinguished by its 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, occupied the performance-oriented upper echelon of the Crown lineup. The S200 series, a facelift of the thirteenth-generation Crown, aimed to modernize the vehicle’s aesthetics and enhance its driving experience while maintaining the traditional Crown values of comfort, refinement, and reliability. It was primarily marketed in Japan, catering to buyers seeking a luxurious and powerful rear-wheel-drive sedan.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Crown |
| Generation | Crown XIII Athlete (S200, facelift 2010) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 T V6 24V (360 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.7 kg/Hp, 214.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.4 kg/Nm, 296.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 360 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 104.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 498 Nm @ 3200 rpm, 367.31 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 2GR-FSE |
| Engine displacement | 3456 cm3, 210.9 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 94 mm, 3.7 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 83 mm, 3.27 in. |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Supercharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.3 l, 6.66 US qt | 5.54 UK qt |
| Coolant | 9.2 l, 9.72 US qt | 8.09 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1680 kg, 3703.77 lbs |
| Max. weight | 1955 kg, 4310.04 lbs |
| Max load | 275 kg, 606.27 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 71 l, 18.76 US gal | 15.62 UK gal |
| Length | 4870 mm, 191.73 in |
| Width | 1795 mm, 70.67 in |
| Height | 1450 mm, 57.09 in |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm, 112.2 in |
| Front track | 1535 mm, 60.43 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1535 mm, 60.43 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 135 mm, 5.31 in |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.4 m, 34.12 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 | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Crown Athlete (S200) 3.5T is the 2GR-FSE engine, a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, DOHC V6. This engine utilizes a twin-scroll turbocharger and intercooler to boost power output to 360 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 498 Nm (367.31 lb-ft) of torque at 3200 rpm. The 2GR-FSE employs Toyota’s D-4S direct-injection system, combining direct and port injection for optimal combustion efficiency and power delivery. The six-speed automatic transmission, a crucial component of this variant, is designed to handle the engine’s substantial torque. It features close gear ratios optimized for both acceleration and highway cruising. The transmission also incorporates manual shift mode for greater driver control.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.5T Athlete delivers a noticeably more spirited driving experience compared to lower-spec Crown models. The turbocharger provides strong acceleration across the rev range, making overtaking effortless. While not a dedicated sports sedan, the Crown Athlete offers a good balance between performance and comfort. The rear-wheel-drive configuration contributes to a more engaging driving feel, although it doesn’t possess the agility of some contemporary sports sedans. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and responsively, although some drivers may prefer the more direct control of a manual gearbox. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road while maintaining reasonable body control.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crown Athlete (S200) 3.5T typically came well-equipped with standard features including leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a premium audio system, automatic climate control, and a navigation system. Exterior features included unique alloy wheels, a sportier body kit, and HID headlights. Optional extras could include a sunroof, advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, and upgraded interior trim materials. The Athlete trim level generally represented a step up in luxury and features compared to the more basic Crown models.
Chassis & Braking
The Crown Athlete (S200) utilizes a robust chassis with a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The braking system consists of ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety and control during emergency braking situations. The steering is a rack-and-pinion system, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Crown Athlete 3.5T was generally well-received by Japanese automotive critics, who praised its powerful engine, comfortable ride, and luxurious interior. However, some reviewers noted that its fuel economy was relatively high compared to other Crown variants. Compared to the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter Crown models, the 3.5T offered significantly more performance but at a higher price point. It also differed from the diesel-powered Crown models, which prioritized fuel efficiency over outright power. The 3.5T appealed to buyers who wanted a luxurious and powerful sedan without the compromises of a dedicated sports car.
Legacy
The Toyota Crown XIII Athlete (S200) 3.5T remains a desirable used car in Japan, appreciated for its combination of luxury, performance, and reliability. The 2GR-FSE engine is known for its durability, although regular maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity. The six-speed automatic transmission is also generally reliable, but it’s important to check for any signs of wear or damage. As a representative of Toyota’s flagship sedan, the Crown Athlete 3.5T continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many Japanese car enthusiasts.
