Spectators at the Kennedy Space Center’s 2.8-mile runway witnessed an extraordinary sight—a Maserati MC20 Coupe racing past at nearly 200 mph. But the real shock? The driver’s seat was empty.
This groundbreaking feat was achieved by an advanced AI-powered driving system developed by engineers from Politecnico Milano, Italy’s leading scientific and technological university. The high-speed test was part of the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), an initiative dedicated to pushing the boundaries of autonomous vehicle technology through competitive racing.
In this historic moment, the AI-driven Maserati set a new autonomous speed record of 197.7 mph (318 km/h), surpassing previous benchmarks.
Pioneering the Future of High-Speed Autonomy
The record-breaking event took place at the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility, home to one of the world’s longest runways and a hub for cutting-edge research and testing. The achievement was the result of collaboration between IAC, Politecnico Milano, Maserati, and 1000 Miglia Experience Florida.
At the heart of this breakthrough is AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous), a specialized research unit at Politecnico Milano. The PoliMOVE-MSU team, part of AIDA’s performance division, developed the AI software that powered the Maserati MC20 Coupe.
With a focus on autonomous systems, AI, and mobility, AIDA aims to refine AI-driven models capable of operating in real-world conditions. In this test, their technology was pushed to the extreme—installing the AI software in a modified Maserati MC20 to assess its performance under high-speed conditions.
This new record of 197.7 mph surpasses the previous mark of 192.8 mph (310.2 km/h), set by an IAC AV-321 racecar in 2022.
From Race Track to Public Roads – The Future of AI Mobility
This achievement represents more than just speed—it’s a major step toward advancing autonomous driving technology for real-world applications. By testing AI systems at extreme speeds, engineers can enhance the safety, stability, and reliability of autonomous vehicles on public roads.
“The AI systems have been tested in production vehicles at legal road speeds during Indy Autonomous Challenge races since 2021,” explains Prof. Sergio Matteo Savaresi, Scientific Director of the project and Director of the Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering at Politecnico Milano.
“With this test, we pushed autonomous driving capabilities to the limit, improving response times and stability. These learnings directly enhance safety in low-speed urban mobility situations.”
Following the test, a Maserati MC20 Cielo convertible from Politecnico Milano participated in the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, a prestigious race format inspired by the historic 1000 Miglia.
The collaboration between 1000 Miglia Experience Florida and Politecnico Milano’s AI technology highlights the seamless integration of automotive heritage with cutting-edge innovation.
“Seeing a Maserati MC20—an icon of Italian design and performance—being driven by artificial intelligence proves that tradition and future can coexist,” says Massimo Cicatiello, President of EGA USA, the organizer of the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida.
With AI-driven vehicles breaking speed records, the potential for high-speed autonomous mobility on highways is becoming more of a reality. This milestone marks a giant leap toward safer, smarter, and more efficient transportation systems powered by artificial intelligence.
