THE AUTONOMOUS WORLD SPEED RECORD NOW BELONGS TO THE STUNNING MASERATI MC20!
Maserati has just redefined the limits of autonomous driving, setting a brilliant new speed record with an AI-driven MC20 Coupé. Partnering with the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) and the Politecnico di Milano, Italy’s largest scientific and technological university, the Italian marque pushed the boundaries of high-speed autonomy at none other than the historic Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center. The modified Maserati MC20 Coupé, equipped with AI developed by the PoliMOVE-MSU team from Politecnico di Milano, rocketed to an astonishing 318 km/h without a human behind the wheel. This shatters the previous autonomous driving speed record of 310 km/h, set by the same team in 2022 with an IAC AV-21 racecar. This achievement represents a significant step forward, proving that high-speed AI-driven technology isn’t just a futuristic concept but a rapidly evolving reality.
“These world speed records are more than just technical milestones; they are pushing AI-driver software and robotics hardware to the absolute edge. Doing so with a road car allows us to translate autonomous racing learnings into real-world applications for safe, high-speed autonomous mobility,” said Paul Mitchell, CEO of Indy Autonomous Challenge and Aidoptation BV.
Maserati's involvement in this cutting-edge experiment isn’t new. The MC20 had previously set the fastest autonomous production car record at 285 km/h at the Piacenza Military Airport in November 2024. Now, that benchmark has been obliterated, further showcasing the incredible innovation and engineering excellence coming out of Italy.
Pushing AI to the extreme is exactly what the Politecnico di Milano's AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous) division aims to do. “High-speed testing allows us to evaluate the behavior of robo-drivers in extreme conditions, refining safety and reliability,” explained Prof. Sergio Matteo Savaresi, Scientific Director of the project and head of the university’s Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering.
The record-breaking run wasn’t the only highlight of the event. Following its autonomous speed test, another Maserati MC20 Cielo convertible joined the prestigious 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, blending history with cutting-edge technology. This isn’t the first time the Politecnico di Milano's AI-driven Maserati has hit the road; in the 2023 edition of the 1000 Miglia, it covered 60 km in autonomous mode across Italy, showcasing the fusion of heritage and innovation.
“The 1000 Miglia has never been just a race; it is a journey through history, a symbol of innovation, and a tribute to Italian automotive excellence,” said Massimo Cicatiello, President of EGA USA, the event's organizer. “Seeing a Maserati MC20 - a true icon of Italian design and performance - pushing the limits with artificial intelligence proves that tradition and the future can coexist beautifully.”
This collaboration between the Indy Autonomous Challenge, Politecnico di Milano, Maserati, and the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida is more than just a headline-grabbing feat. It lays the groundwork for advancing autonomous vehicle technology and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) in real-world applications, bringing us closer to a future where AI-driven vehicles enhance safety, performance, and transportation efficiency. The fusion of motorsports engineering and autonomous tech is accelerating at an unprecedented pace - and Maserati is leading the charge.
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows how the Maserati MC20 clinched the speed record for autonomous driving - at least if anything went pear-shaped then no passengers would be hurt in any way: Autonomous Maserati MC20 Goes 197 MPH (318 km/h) without a Driver | YOUCAR
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