The Italian nation which produces legendary fast race car drivers now holds the world record for the fastest self-driving vehicle. A team from Politecnico di Milano, Italy’s largest science and technology university achieved a new speed record for autonomous vehicles by reaching 197.7 mph (318 km/h).
The IAC together with a team from Politecnico di Milano reached their breakthrough by modifying a Maserati MC20 Coupe for the Indy Autonomous Challenge. The high-performance vehicle provided by Maserati utilizes a $243,000 3.0-liter V-6 twin-turbo engine which produces 630 horsepower and 538 lb-ft (729 Nm) of torque. The AI-controlled vehicle demonstrated nearly all its possible speed potential by reaching 202 mph (325 km/h).
The record-breaking event occurred on February 23 during the Kennedy Space Center’s 1000 Miglia Experience Florida event. The AI-powered Maserati achieved its most advanced speed run by traveling 2.8 miles (4.5 km) at a rate exceeding its previous best of 177 mph (285 km/h) from November 2023. The AI-driven Maserati surpassed the 192.2 mph (309.3 km/h) record established by the PoliMOVE team in their IAC AV-21 race car from April 2022.
Two GPS units were used for precise measurement of the event despite the telemetry readings appearing higher in the recorded footage. CEO Paul Mitchell of IAC declared that this project serves as a fundamental advancement for autonomous driving beyond its entertainment value. He declared that we are testing AI-driver software and robotics hardware at their maximum possible limits. Researchers conduct their tests in extreme conditions to create better autonomous driving systems that will ensure safety and speed on the highway when the future arrives.
Self-driving technology achieved another breakthrough in AI-driven transportation during this milestone as it moves society toward vehicles with advanced speed capabilities and operational excellence.