This Maserati MC20 hit 197.7 mph… Without a driver!
Artificial intelligence pushing the limits of speed—that’s exactly what Maserati has achieved in collaboration with the Indy Autonomous Challenge and the Politecnico di Milano. The Italian brand has set a new speed record for an autonomous car, reaching 197.7 mph on the Kennedy Space Center track in Florida. This impressive feat raises an important question: will sports cars of the future even need a driver?
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A Maserati MC20 turned into an autonomous rocket
To break this record, Maserati didn’t use a single-seater or some futuristic prototype, but rather a MC20, its high-performance coupe equipped with a 630-horsepower Nettuno V6. This model, already known for its incredible capabilities, was modified with a state-of-the-art autonomous driving system developed by the PoliMOVE team from Politecnico di Milano. The Indy Autonomous Challenge, which organizes races between AI-driven vehicles, provided access to one of the world’s most iconic tracks: the Kennedy Space Center, historically used for space shuttle landings. With a 2.8 miles straight, this location was perfect for pushing technology to its limits. The result? A new record of 197.7 mph, surpassing the previous mark of 192.8 mph set in 2022.
Artificial intelligence at the limits of speed
This project is more than just a technical demonstration. The goal behind these tests is to improve autonomous driving systems, particularly in extreme conditions. If AI can handle a car at over 185 mph, it could greatly enhance road safety in everyday driving. The autonomous driving software used in this Maserati MC20 has also been tested in real-world conditions, such as during the 1000 Miglia in Italy, where an AI-driven car completed 37.3 miles in regular traffic. The objective is to validate algorithms capable of anticipating vehicle behavior and adjusting to complex situations, such as emergency braking or high-speed cornering.
Why is Maserati investing in autonomous technology?
Seeing a brand like Maserati—a symbol of luxury and driving passion—invest in autonomous cars might seem surprising. However, the Italian brand is following an unavoidable trend: luxury automakers must innovate to stay competitive. Right now, autonomy remains a controversial topic among driving enthusiasts. The idea of an AI controlling a high-performance sports car doesn’t exactly thrill everyone. But Maserati wants to prove that AI can enhance safety without sacrificing driving pleasure. The technologies tested at high speeds could soon be integrated into advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in road cars, improving stability, traction control, and braking efficiency.
A step toward the supercars of the future
With this record, Maserati isn’t just experimenting with AI—it’s also preparing for the future of high-performance cars. Other brands like Porsche and Ferrari are developing semi-autonomous driving systems, particularly to optimize track performance. The goal isn’t necessarily to replace the driver, but rather to assist and enhance human driving skills.
This article explores how Maserati set a new autonomous speed record with an MC20, reaching 197.7 mph without a driver. This breakthrough proves that AI can handle extreme conditions, paving the way for new applications in both high-performance and everyday vehicles. An innovation that might just redefine the future of driving.
Source & images: Maserati
