The world of autonomous driving has taken a significant leap forward, with the Maserati MC20 setting a new world speed record for driverless vehicles. Irrespective of whether you’re for or against autonomous driving, you’ve got to admit this is pretty cool!
The record-breaking feat was achieved at the Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility (LLF), where Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) and Politecnico di Milano, in collaboration with Maserati and the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, orchestrated the groundbreaking run.
The Record-Breaking Run
The specially modified Maserati MC20 Coupe, equipped with an AI driver developed by the PoliMOVE-MSU team from Politecnico di Milano, reached a remarkable 197.7mph (318 km/h) with no human onboard. This surpasses the previous record of 192.8mph (310.2km/h), which was set by the IAC AV-21 racecar in April 2022 at the same location.
The achievement marks a new milestone in high-speed autonomous mobility, showcasing the potential of AI-driven performance and its implications for future transportation systems. The LLF’s runway is one of the longest in the world, at 15,000 feet (4.57km), serving as the perfect testing ground for this historic attempt. Formerly used for NASA’s Space Shuttle landings, the facility is now a hub for aerospace research and technological advancements.
Advancing Autonomous Tech
The AI driver software, developed by the performance division of AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous of Politecnico di Milano), was responsible for guiding the Maserati MC20 to its record-setting speed. The video posted by Indy Autonomous Challenge showcases the AI driver working its magic and making minute corrections to the steering angle during the high-speed run.
According to Paul Mitchell, CEO of Indy Autonomous Challenge and Aidoptation BV, the significance of these speed records extends beyond mere technological demonstrations. “We are pushing AI-driver software and robotics hardware to the absolute edge. Doing so with a streetcar is helping transition the learnings of autonomous racing to enable safe, secure, sustainable, high-speed autonomous mobility on highways,” he stated.
The autonomous Maserati MC20 had previously held the record for the fastest autonomous production car, achieving 285km/h at Piacenza Military Airport in November 2024. This latest accomplishment raises the bar further. The Maserati MC20 Coupe, with its 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine producing 621hp & 730Nm, served as an ideal foundation for this world record.
Following the record-setting run, a second Maserati MC20 Cielo convertible joined the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, continuing its journey across the United States. The same vehicle had already demonstrated autonomous capabilities in the 2023 edition of the historic 1000 Miglia race in Italy, covering approximately 60 kilometres in self-driving mode.
