Maserati MC20 Shatters Autonomous Speed Record at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
Staff Editor Maserati MC20 Coupe Sets New Autonomous Land Speed Record
In a groundbreaking achievement for autonomous vehicle technology, a Maserati MC20 Coupe has set a new land speed record of 197.7 mph at the Kennedy Space Center. The feat, accomplished through a collaboration between Politecnico di Milano and the Indy Autonomous Challenge, surpasses the previous record of 192.2 mph set in April 2022.
The record-breaking run took place on a 2.8-mile runway, showcasing the capabilities of self-driving software developed by Politecnico di Milano. This achievement not only demonstrates the reliability of algorithms in managing extreme speeds but also aims to improve safety for autonomous road vehicles.
Paul Mitchell, CEO of Indy Autonomous Challenge, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Pushing AI and robotics to the edge is crucial for advancing autonomous technology.” The project serves as a stress-test for AI-driver software and robotics hardware, with the ultimate goal of transitioning these learnings to enable safe, high-speed autonomous mobility on highways.
The vehicle used for this record-setting run, the Maserati MC20, is a high-end sports car with a retail price starting at $239,000. It features a mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine producing 621 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
This achievement marks a significant milestone in the development of autonomous vehicle technology, demonstrating the potential for AI-driven systems to operate safely at high speeds. As research in this field continues, it is expected to have far-reaching implications for the future of transportation and automotive safety.
