Cape Canaveral, Fla. (USA), March 3, 2025 – A monumental leap forward in the world of autonomous driving has been achieved at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano, Maserati, and 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, has set a new world record for the fastest autonomous car. The innovative Indy Autonomous Challenge Maserati MC20 Coupe, guided by an AI driver developed by the prestigious Politecnico di Milano, achieved a breathtaking speed of 198.2 mph (319 km/h), surpassing its own record.
This groundbreaking achievement took place during the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, a prestigious event showcasing both automotive heritage and cutting-edge technology. The Maserati MC20 Coupe, which had already set a new benchmark for the fastest autonomous production car in 2024, pushed the limits of innovation yet again by breaking the previous autonomous speed record of 192.8 mph—a feat first accomplished in 2022 at the same location with a racecar modified for autonomous driving.
A Historic Milestone for AI and High-Speed Autonomous Mobility
The speed record was set on the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility (LLF), one of the longest runways in the world, stretching 15,000 feet (2.8 miles). This venue, known for hosting historic NASA Space Shuttle landings, has evolved into a hub for high-tech innovation, serving as the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary achievement.
At the heart of this success is the PoliMOVE-MSU team, a division within AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous), part of the Politecnico di Milano. This team, led by Prof. Sergio Matteo Savaresi, has spent years developing AI technology capable of driving autonomously in extreme conditions. This achievement serves as proof of the team’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI-driven vehicles and demonstrates that the learnings from autonomous racing are directly applicable to real-world mobility solutions.
The AI software, meticulously designed by the PoliMOVE-MSU team, guided the Maserati MC20 Coupe through the high-speed test without the need for a human driver. The achievement is not only a triumph of technology but also a significant step in the transition towards safe, secure, and sustainable autonomous mobility on public roads.
Pushing the Boundaries of Autonomous Driving
The Indy Autonomous Challenge is dedicated to advancing the development of autonomous driving technology by using the extreme environment of high-speed racing to test and refine AI systems. Paul Mitchell, CEO of IAC and Aidoptation BV, reflects on the significance of the record: “These world speed records are much more than just a showcase of future technology; we are pushing AI-driver software and robotics hardware to the absolute edge. Doing so with a streetcar is helping transition the learnings of autonomous racing to enable safe, secure, sustainable, high-speed autonomous mobility on highways.”
The racecar, the Indy Autonomous Challenge Maserati MC20, was specifically modified to run autonomously, showcasing the impressive advancements in AI and robotics hardware. Having already broken records in 2024, this car continues to set new standards for autonomous vehicles, not only in speed but also in reliability, stability, and reaction times—all crucial factors for the future of autonomous mobility.
A Glimpse into the Future of Mobility
The 1000 Miglia Experience Florida serves as an exciting platform for demonstrating the convergence of heritage and future in automotive technology. The Maserati MC20 Coupe’s record-breaking run was followed by the Maserati MC20 Cielo convertible, which continued its journey as part of the event’s convoy. This vehicle, also modified for autonomous driving, will further showcase the extraordinary developments in Italian automotive engineering, marking the transition of cutting-edge research from race tracks to the open road.
Massimo Cicatiello, President of EGA USA, organizers of the event, remarks on the significance of this collaboration: “The 1000 Miglia has never been just a race; it is a journey through history, a symbol of innovation, and a tribute to Italian automotive excellence. The synergy between the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida and the groundbreaking autonomous driving technologies developed by the Politecnico di Milano represents an extraordinary step forward in the future of mobility.”
Bridging the Past and Future of Italian Engineering
This landmark achievement is a testament to the evolution of Italian engineering and the ingenuity of Maserati as a brand at the forefront of high-performance and sustainable mobility solutions. By breaking new ground in autonomous technology, Maserati continues to push the envelope, linking its storied past of luxury performance vehicles with an exciting future of AI-driven mobility.
With the Indy Autonomous Challenge, Politecnico di Milano, and Maserati leading the charge, this collaboration is setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in autonomous vehicle development. As the world of motorsports and urban mobility converge, the potential for AI-driven transportation to revolutionize the way we travel is closer than ever.
The Indy Autonomous Challenge, along with its partners, is laying the foundation for an autonomous future—one where AI, sustainability, and high-speed mobility redefine the way we think about the road ahead.
About Indy Autonomous Challenge
Founded in 2019, the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) is dedicated to advancing autonomous technologies through high-speed racing. The IAC organizes global competitions where university-affiliated teams program AI drivers to pilot autonomous racecars, pushing the boundaries of AI and autonomous vehicle performance.
About Politecnico di Milano
Founded in 1863, the Politecnico di Milano is Italy’s largest and most prestigious university for engineering, architecture, and design. It is dedicated to research, innovation, and technological development, with strategic focus areas including mobility, digital technologies, and sustainable transportation solutions.
About Maserati
For over a century, Maserati has stood as a symbol of Italian performance, design, and innovation. From luxury vehicles to high-performance models, Maserati continues to set new standards in automotive excellence, embracing cutting-edge technologies for a sustainable future.
