Maserati has officially redefined what’s possible in autonomous driving, with an AI-powered MC20 smashing the self-driving speed record at 318 km/h (197.7 mph). The groundbreaking run, achieved at the Kennedy Space Center’s Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility, marks a major milestone in high-speed AI-driven mobility.

The record-breaking achievement was a result of a collaboration between Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), Politecnico di Milano, and Maserati. The AI driver, developed by Politecnico di Milano’s AIDA research team, controlled the modified Maserati MC20 Coupé as it raced down one of the world’s longest runways, setting a new autonomous world speed record.

This feat surpasses the previous 192.8 mph record, also held by the Indy Autonomous Challenge and PoliMOVE team, and demonstrates how AI can navigate extreme conditions with precision, stability, and reliability.

The record not only proves the capabilities of AI-driven vehicles but also raises the question: Is AI the future of high-speed racing? The technology developed for this challenge could soon find its way into autonomous motorsports, where AI pilots push performance boundaries beyond human limits.

While some may argue that racing should always have a human touch, these innovations are already transforming vehicle development, offering new insights into aerodynamics, handling, and real-time decision-making.

Maserati’s self-driving MC20 is more than just a high-speed testbed. The lessons learned from pushing AI to the absolute limit will directly influence the next generation of autonomous road cars. The same AI algorithms tested at 300+ km/h could soon help improve ADAS systems and make future vehicles safer and more responsive on highways.

With this record, Maserati and its partners have cemented their place at the forefront of autonomous innovation. AI isn’t just keeping up—it’s now leading the way.