New Autonomous World Speed Record Set with Indy Autonomous Challenge Maserati MC20
The world of autonomous driving has reached an exciting new milestone with the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) and Politecnico di Milano, Italy’s leading scientific-technological university, setting a new speed record at the prestigious Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility (LLF) at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In a groundbreaking display of technological innovation, Maserati’s MC20 Coupe, modified to run autonomously, shattered the previous autonomous driving world record by reaching an impressive speed of 197.7 mph (318 km/h). This new achievement signifies a major leap forward in the development of autonomous driving technology, moving it closer to real-world applications in streetcars.
The IAC Maserati MC20 Coupe was guided by AI software developed by Politecnico di Milano’s PoliMOVE team, and this high-speed test demonstrates the potential of transferring lessons learned in autonomous racing to everyday vehicles. The new record beats the previous autonomous car speed of 192.8 mph set at the same facility in 2022 by the IAC and PoliMOVE team with their IAC AV-21 racecar. The high-tech collaboration is part of a larger effort to revolutionize the future of transportation, driven by innovation, AI, and eco-friendly solutions under Italy’s MOST (National Center for Sustainable Mobility).
The Maserati MC20, a vehicle with extraordinary performance and engineering, was already recognized as the fastest autonomous production car when it reached 177 mph (285 km/h) in November 2024 at Piacenza Military Airport. This latest record further cements Maserati’s role in autonomous driving advancements and underscores the carmaker's legacy of luxury and performance.
Beyond setting a speed record, this achievement is about pushing the boundaries of AI, robotics, and autonomous vehicle safety. As Paul Mitchell, CEO of the Indy Autonomous Challenge and Aidoptation BV, puts it, "These world speed records are much more than just a showcase of future technology; we are pushing AI-driver software and robotics hardware to the absolute edge." The data from these tests will help create safer, more efficient autonomous driving systems, making high-speed, autonomous mobility more feasible for highways and urban environments.
The test conducted in the controlled environment of the LLF — one of the world’s longest runways at 15,000 feet — proved the stability, robustness, and reaction time of the vehicle’s AI systems. This process is critical for improving safety in both high-speed autonomous racing and more practical, everyday applications. According to Prof. Sergio Matteo Savaresi, Scientific Director of the project at Politecnico di Milano, this research is vital for refining AI’s capabilities, especially when it comes to enhancing the reliability of autonomous vehicles in urban settings.
Additionally, after the successful test, a second Maserati MC20 Cielo convertible continued its American journey as part of the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida. This vehicle, which was previously involved in autonomous tests across Italy, now showcases Maserati’s innovative contributions to autonomous technology and Italian automotive excellence. Massimo Cicatiello, President of EGA USA, the organizer of 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, highlighted the symbolic connection between Maserati’s innovation and tradition, stating that this partnership represents a new chapter for the 1000 Miglia and the future of mobility.
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