Frustrated by speed limits? A computer just hit 200 mph in a Maserati Mc20, achieving a new land speed record for an autonomous vehicle, and it did it without a human driver. This groundbreaking feat was part of the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, where the Indy Autonomous Challenge took center stage at the Kennedy Space Center. Utilizing the spaceport’s expansive 2.8-mile runway, renowned for speed record attempts, the AI-driven Maserati MC20 pushed the boundaries of autonomous driving.
Maserati MC20 front 3/4
Italian Innovation Drives Autonomous Record
The autonomous driving software powering this record-breaking run was developed by the PoliMOVE-MSU team, a part of the Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous program at Politecnico di Milano. These Italian engineers designed and implemented the sophisticated AI algorithms that enabled the Maserati MC20 coupe to navigate and accelerate autonomously to unprecedented speeds. The team’s software was installed in the MC20, setting the stage for its record attempt on the Kennedy Space Center runway.
Previously, PoliMOVE-MSU held the autonomous land speed record with their IAC AVC-21 racecar, which reached 192.8 mph on the same track in April 2022. They also held the record for an autonomous production vehicle at 177 mph, also achieved with a Maserati MC20 at a military airport in Italy. This new 200 mph record firmly establishes their dominance in autonomous high-speed driving technology and showcases the capabilities of the Maserati MC20 as a platform for advanced automotive innovation.
From Record Run to Roadshow: The MC20 Cielo Takes Over
Following the high-speed demonstration, a second Maserati MC20, this time the Cielo convertible variant, joined the 1000 Miglia Florida event. This appearance serves to highlight the fusion of Italian automotive excellence and cutting-edge autonomous technology to a broader audience. Maserati intends to showcase “the excellence of Italian research” on US roads, hinting at autonomous driving demonstrations at more conventional speeds during the 1000 Miglia Florida event.
Professor Sergio Matteo Savaresi, Scientific Director of the project and Director of the Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering at the Politecnico di Milano, explained the significance of these high-speed tests: “The goal of high-speed tests is to evaluate the behavior of robo-drivers in extreme conditions… The AIDA team used this test to push the boundaries of autonomous driving, improving safety and reliability.” He further emphasized that these controlled, driverless tests are crucial for “assessing the AI’s stability, robustness, and reaction time, ultimately enhancing safety for low-speed urban mobility situations.” This record-breaking run with the Maserati MC20 underscores the progress and potential of autonomous driving technology, paving the way for safer and more reliable autonomous systems in everyday driving scenarios.
