A new method of knock detection in SI engines, using a change of ion concentration in the combustion chamber, was developed. In order to measure in-cylinder ionization current, ionization probes were installed at spark plug and cylinder head of production engine. It was found that the electric current generated by ionized gas in core burned gas region of knocking cycle is between 2 and 10 times larger than that of normal cycle, because the burned gas temperature which is the dominant parameter of a change of ion concentration increases. However, a change of ionization current in boundary region of burned gas is relatively weak. Hence a change of ion concentration in core burned gas region can be used for knock detection.