In a groundbreaking feat of engineering and technology, the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) team, in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano, set a new world record for high-speed autonomous vehicles. Driving a Maserati MC20 Coupe, the AI-driver software developed by Politecnico di Milano’s AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous) project propelled the car to an astonishing 197.7 mph (318 km/h). This record was achieved at the Kennedy Space Center’s Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility, a historic site known for its aerospace advancements, making it a monumental achievement in the evolution of autonomous mobility. This record-breaking run surpassed the previous benchmark of 192.8 mph, also set by the IAC team at the same location in 2022.
The Maserati MC20 was extensively modified for autonomous operation and represented a unique confluence of cutting-edge AI technology and Italian automotive engineering excellence. The purpose of this high-speed test extended beyond breaking records; it provided vital insights into the stability, robustness, and decision-making capabilities of AI in extreme conditions. According to Professor Sergio Matteo Savaresi, Scientific Director of the project, testing at these speeds enhances the algorithm's reliability, paving the way for safer autonomous vehicles in both high-speed and urban driving scenarios. This achievement further underscores how insights from autonomous racing directly contribute to advancements in real-world mobility solutions.
This milestone is a testament to global collaborations in innovation and sustainability. With backing from Maserati and Italy’s MOST (National Center for Sustainable Mobility), the project highlights the potential for autonomous technology to address modern transportation challenges. The success not only showcases the reliability of autonomous systems but also bridges the gap between motorsports and future highway mobility. As the Maserati MC20 Cielo continues its journey in the United States through events like the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, it reflects a perfect union of Italy’s rich automotive heritage and the relentless pursuit of technological innovation for the future of mobility.
📷: INDY AUTONOMOUS CHALLENGE/MASERATI
