Maserati is challenging and reshaping the boundaries of self-driving. The MC20 supercar recently recorded a phenomenal speed of 197.7 mph while the driver was absent from the seat. This performance was conducted on the 15,000-foot runway of the Kennedy Space Center and with the aid of cutting-edge AI technology.

How to Break Records with AI

Developed in partnership with the Politecnico di Milano, Indy Autonomous Challenge, and 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, the AI system used for this speed record run was created by Maserati. The PoliMOVE-MSU team at Politecnico di Milano designed the autonomous driving software that powered the MC20 to this incredible speed.

This isn’t even the first time that the MC20 has made automotive history. Just last November, it made a record as the fastest autonomous production car at 177 mph, while this latest achievement adds even more to its legacy.

Comparison with Other Autonomous Cars

Before this, the fastest autonomous vehicle was an Indy Autonomous Challenge AV-21 racecar, which reached 192.8 mph. The MC20’s 197.7 mph run is now the overall fastest for street-legal autonomous cars. 

“This isn’t just a publicity thing; it’s all about developing software for AI driving and robotics going toward making autonomous vehicles much safer for high-speed operation in real-world scenarios,” said Paul Mitchell, CEO of Indy Autonomous Challenge.

What This is Going to Mean for the Future

Above all, this is a speed record. The researchers further reported that “this test makes the AI faster in responding and safer, in particular within city neighborhoods,” says Sergio Matteo Savaresi from Politecnico di Milano.

Maserati launched the MC20 in 2020 and in Modena, Italy. The car, which blends beauty and sportiness with high technology, is now the leader in autonomy performance. 

But as AI-driven vehicles continue making milestone achievements, will they bring us closer to the reality of ultra-modern fully autonomous supercars? Maserati just brought us one step closer.