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The 53 technical papers in this book show the improvements and design techniques that researchers have applied to performance and racing engines. They provide an insight into what the engineers consider to be the top improvements needed to advance engine technology; and cover subjects such as: 1) Direct injection; 2) Valve spring advancements; 3) Turbocharging; 4) Variable valve control; 5) Combustion evaluation; and 5) New racing engines.

A key topic of many technical discussions has been the development of alternative fuels to power the compression ignition engine. Reasons for this include the desire to reduce the dependency on petroleum-based fuel and, at the same time, to reduce the particulate matter (PM) and NOx emissions. Also, there has been interest generated in the diesel engine because of the reduction in greenhouse gases that has been proposed during the 2008-2012 time frame in Europe and the regulations that affect diesel engines in the United States.

A recent research report released by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated that almost 175,000 pedestrians died on U.S roadways between 1975 and 2001. It was also noted in the report that 12% of all deaths related to motor vehicle crashes in the country are pedestrian fatalities. Most of the safety technology to date in vehicles has been applied to protect the occupants in the vehicle. What can vehicle manufacturers do to reduce pedestrian fatalities?