Last week, a Maserati MC20 Coupe broke a world speed record with no driver in the seat to enjoy that adrenaline rush past the finish line.
New Autonomous World Speed Record
On March 3rd, Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) and Politecnico di Milano, Italy’s largest scientific-technological university, teamed up with Maserati and 1000 Miglia Experience Florida to set a new Autonomous World Speed Record at 319 km per hour (198.2 mph). The new milestone was set by an AI-Driver of Politecnico di Milano in the Indy Autonomous Challenge Maserati MC20 Coupe, during the legendary racing event’s stopover in Cape Canaveral, Florida, at the Kennedy Space Center. The Launch and Landing facility at KSC is one of the world’s longest runways at 15,000 feet (2.8 miles) and the historic location for NASA Space Shuttle landings. This betters the previously held record of 285 km/h (177 mph), set at the Piacenza Military Airport track in November 2024 through thick fog. The assays showcase how developments in high-speed autonomous racing can be transferred to streetcars. Development of the AI driver software was completed by the PoliMOVE-MSU team – part of the performance division of AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous of Politecnico di Milano).
“The goal of high-speed tests is to evaluate the behavior of robo-drivers in extreme conditions. These AI systems have been tested in production vehicles at legal road speeds in the Indy Autonomous Challenge races since 2021… Conducted in controlled environments without a human driver, the test assesses the AI’s stability, robustness, and reaction time, ultimately enhancing safety for low-speed urban mobility situations,” explains the Scientific Director of the project, Prof. Sergio Matteo Savaresi.
In the cover picture: Maserati MC20
Read exclusive chat with Philippe Claverol, Head of Maserati Overseas on Maserati’s plans ahead for autonomous driving and full electrification.