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This is an assessment of current two-stroke automotive engine technology, implementation policy, vision, goals, and engine development and commercialization strategy. It includes a historical review of key two-stroke Otto cycle and Diesel cycle engine developments, a summary of the specifica-ions for the new: Toyota S-2 gasoline and S-2 Diesel engines, Suburu Super 2-stroke, Orbital two-stroke engine series, and Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) two-stroke technology in Taiwan. Although two-stroke engine technology has been under development since the end of the 19th century, currently the only mass produced vehicles powered by two-stroke cycle engines are the Trabant and Wartburg, with 594 cc two cylinder and 993 cc three cylinder engines, respectively, essentially unchanged in cylinder configuration and porting since 1931.

This is an assessment of alternative propulsion technology options presently under investigation for potential application to automobile propulsion in the 1990's. It includes a brief review of key aspects of the new US DOE National Energy Strategy, as recommended to the President in March 1991, and the impact on future automotive propulsion policy choices in the immediate future. Also considered is the impact of the decision by the California Legislature, in the 1990-91 State Budget, which directed the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to expand the assessment and policy support for improvements in transportation technology. In addition, key technical aspects of the prime mover options currently under development around the World are shown. Among these options are: ceramic piston engine dynamic structural components for conventional four-stroke engines, ceramic gas turbines, new two-stroke engines, and electric propulsion.