Politecnico di Milano and Indy Autonomous Challenge set new AI-driven speed record with Maserati

Politecnico di Milano, Italy’s largest scientific and technological university, and the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) have set a new world record for autonomous driving, reaching 197.7 mph (318 km/h) with a Maserati MC20 Coupé at the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility (LLF) at Kennedy Space Center.

The test was part of the MOST initiative, Italy’s National Center for Sustainable Mobility, which focuses on research and innovation in transportation technologies.

Founded in 1863, Politecnico di Milano is Italy’s largest technical university, focusing on engineering, architecture, and industrial design. The university conducts research in areas including autonomous systems, mobility, and artificial intelligence. Its Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous (AIDA) division developed the AI driver software used in the test, contributing to ongoing research in autonomous vehicle technology.

Record-breaking autonomous driving test

The AI driver software was developed by the PoliMOVE-MSU team, part of Politecnico di Milano’s AIDA division. The autonomous Maserati MC20 surpassed the previous record of 192.8 mph, set by the same team in April 2022 with an IAC AV-21 racecar.

Paul Mitchell, CEO of Indy Autonomous Challenge and Aidoptation BV, emphasized the significance of the milestone:

“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,” he said.

The Maserati MC20 Coupé previously held the record for the fastest autonomous production car, reaching 177 mph (285 km/h) at Piacenza Military Airport in November 2024. The latest test builds on that success by assessing AI-driven performance under extreme conditions at Kennedy Space Center.

Advancing AI for autonomous mobility

Professor Sergio Matteo Savaresi, Scientific Director of the project and Director of the Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering at Politecnico di Milano, explained the objective of the high-speed trials:

“The goal of high-speed tests is to evaluate the behavior of robo-drivers in extreme conditions. These AI systems have been tested in production vehicles at legal road speeds in the Indy Autonomous Challenge races since 2021. The AIDA team used this test to push the boundaries of autonomous driving, improving safety and reliability. Conducted in controlled environments without a human driver, the test assesses the AI’s stability, robustness, and reaction time, ultimately enhancing safety for low-speed urban mobility situations.”

Following the speed test, another Maserati MC20 Cielo convertible from Politecnico di Milano took part in the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida. The vehicle had previously participated in the 2023 1000 Miglia race, covering 60 km in autonomous mode across Italy. The Florida event serves as an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of autonomous driving technology in real-world scenarios.

Massimo Cicatiello, President of EGA USA, which organizes the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, highlighted the importance of the 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. Seeing a Maserati MC20—an icon of Italian design and performance—pushing the limits with artificial intelligence is proof that tradition and future can coexist. This first edition in Florida marks the beginning of a new chapter for the 1000 Miglia, bridging the gap between heritage and the frontiers of innovation.”