End-gas temperatures were measured using CARS technique in a conventional DOHC spark- ignition engine fueled with PRF80. The measured pressure data were analyzed using band pass filter method. The measured CARS temperatures were compared with adiabatic core temperatures calculated from measured pressures. Significant heating by pre-flame reaction in the end gas zone was observed in the late part of compression stroke under both knocking and non-knocking conditions. CARS temperatures measured at 10 crank angle degree before knock occurrence was higher than adiabatic core temperatures. These results indicate that there exist some exothermic reactions in low pressure and temperature region. CARS temperatures began to be higher than the adiabatic core temperature when the end-gas temperatures reached look. The temperature elevation due to the pre-flame reaction correlated better with CARS temperature than with cylinder pressure.