AI-Driven Maserati Sets New World Speed Record
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLORIDA – In a groundbreaking display of autonomous technology, an AI-controlled Maserati MC20 reached a record speed of 197.7 miles per hour at the Kennedy Space Center in March 2025. The feat shattered the previous record set by an Indy Autonomous Challenge AV-21 racecar in 2022, underscoring the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence within the automotive industry.
The Maserati MC20, a high-performance supercar powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 621 horsepower, typically reaches a top speed of 202 mph under human control. This AI-driven achievement brings the vehicle astonishingly close to that limit, showcasing the potential of robotics in high-speed precision driving
Pushing the Limits of AI in Driving
The primary objective of this initiative is not merely to set records but to refine autonomous driving technology. By pushing AI
-driver software and robotics to their limits, researchers aim to enhance the safety and reliability of self-driving vehicles on public roads. While fully autonomous cars remain a future prospect, Maserati’s research represents a significant step toward achieving that goal.
A Collaboration in Innovation
The record-setting event was made possible through a collaboration between Maserati, the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), and Politecnico di Milano, a leading Italian university specializing in technology and science. The test took place at the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility, which boasts one of the world’s longest runways at 15,000 feet (2.8 miles). The same facility has been used for space shuttle landings, making it an ideal location for high-speed experiments.
Developed by a team of professors, PhD students, and researchers from Politecnico di Milano, the AI technology used in the MC20 was designed to improve autonomous driving in real-world conditions. The goal is to make self-driving systems more precise, robust, and safe for public use.
Building a Smarter Future
Politecnico di Milano has been collaborating with Maserati on autonomous vehicle research for several years. When Professor Sergio Savaresi proposed the project, Maserati contributed the first experimental vehicles. High-performance cars like the MC20 have played a vital role in testing and advancing the technology, reinforcing Italy’s leadership in automotive innovation.
The AI system powering the MC20 utilizes a combination of deterministic and artificial intelligence algorithms. This blend of technologies enables the vehicle to make split-second decisions, adapt to extreme conditions, and maintain stability at high speeds.
The Road Ahead for Autonomous Driving
This latest achievement builds on previous milestones. In November 2024, an AI-driven Maserati MC20 Cielo reached 177 mph in dense fog at Piacenza-San Damiano Air Base in Italy. The next step in Maserati’s autonomous driving research includes public road-testing at major events like the historic 1000 Miglia in Italy.
Professor Savaresi emphasizes the broader implications of AI in transportation. “One of the challenges affecting the world today is pollution and the sustainability of our current mobility model. Autonomous driving can reduce traffic congestion by optimiz
ing vehicle usage, ultimately contributing to greener cities,” he explains.
While AI technology is making rapid strides, Maserati remains committed to preserving the human experience of driving. High-performance sports cars like the MC20 are designed for the thrill of human control, while autonomous driving is being developed for practical, everyday mobility.
For now, AI can take the wheel in controlled environments, but the roar of a Maserati MC20 remains best enjoyed by those who truly love to drive.
Reference
AI-Driven Maserati Sets New World Speed Record