The Maserati MC20 has raised the bar for autonomous driving to an unprecedented level. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Italian supercar reached a historic speed of 198 mph without any human intervention at the wheel, setting a new world record for driverless cars. This achievement demonstrates the exponential advancement of artificial intelligence applied to vehicle operation under extreme conditions.
The Italian Engineering Behind the Record
The ambitious project was led by a team of experts from the renowned Politecnico di Milano, with crucial support from Maserati itself. The chosen venue for the maximum speed test was the expansive track at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a location historically associated with innovations and records, during the 1000 Miglia Experience event. The track, with its impressive 2.8 miles in length, provided the ideal environment for the autonomous MC20 to unleash its full power.
The development of the autonomous driving software was led by PoliMOVE-MSU, the performance division of the Autonomous Driving Intelligence at Politecnico di Milano (AIDA). This team of engineers dedicated themselves to creating a robust system capable of operating safely and accurately at very high speeds. The previous record, also held by the Politecnico di Milano group, was 192 mph, recorded in 2022 on the same track with a racing car, the IAC AV-21.
From Military Tracks to the Autobahns of the Future?
Before achieving this historic milestone, the autonomous Maserati MC20 had already demonstrated its potential by breaking the record for the world’s fastest production car, reaching 177 mph on the military track in Piacenza at the end of 2024. Paul Mitchell, CEO of the Indy Autonomous Challenge, emphasizes that these tests under extreme conditions are crucial for driving the evolution of artificial intelligence in driving.
According to Mitchell, the Indy Autonomous Challenge has been testing autonomous systems in production cars since 2021, initially at speeds compatible with urban traffic. Now, the technology is pushed to the limit to assess its performance in high-speed scenarios, paving the way for future applications in everyday situations and, who knows, even on expressways in the future.
Maserati’s Commitment to Autonomous Driving
Maserati’s presence at the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida extended beyond the speed record. A Maserati MC20 Cielo convertible also participated in the event, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to the development and promotion of autonomous technologies. The Italian automaker has consistently invested in this area, seeking visibility and expertise.
In recent years, Maserati has conducted various demonstrations of autonomous driving. Two years ago, a similar model autonomously traveled 37 miles in Italy. Last year, an autonomous Maserati GranCabrio participated in the traditional 1000 Miglia in Europe. Now, the MC20 Cielo is crossing the United States, showcasing Italian engineering and Maserati’s forward-looking vision to a global audience.
Challenges in the Market and the Quest for Relevance
Despite technological advancements and impressive records, Maserati faces a delicate moment in the global automotive market. Sales figures for 2024 reveal a concerning decline: only 10,341 units sold worldwide, representing a 39% drop compared to the previous year. In the United States, the retraction was 37%, with 4,819 units sold.
The production of the MC20 itself has been heavily impacted, with a reduction of 79%. Experts point to the lack of new products and high prices as the main factors for this negative performance. For comparison, the Maserati MC20 has a starting price of around $243,000, while the Porsche 911 Turbo S, with similar performance, starts at $233,295.
The situation is compounded by the postponement of the electric versions of the Levante and Quattroporte to 2027 and 2028, respectively. The ambitious goal of becoming a 100% electric brand by 2028 seems increasingly distant. The end of production for the seventh-generation Maserati Quattroporte in 2023 and the discontinuation of the Ghibli, with no successors in sight, also contribute to a challenging landscape.
The indefinite postponement of the Maserati MC20 Folgore, the anticipated electric version of the supercar, is another setback. Rumors of a possible cancellation are circulating due to the disappointing performance of the electric vehicle market. The Mirafiori factory, crucial for the production of important models, is undergoing a restructuring process.
New CEO and the Strategy for the Future
Santo Ficili, the new CEO of Maserati, who took office in October 2024, acknowledges the need for a strategic shift to reverse the situation and make the brand more competitive. Amid these challenges, records like that of the autonomous MC20 emerge as a glimmer of hope and an opportunity to keep Maserati in the spotlight.
The achievement of the speed record may attract a new audience interested in technology, innovation, and the forefront of automotive engineering. It remains to be seen if Maserati can capitalize on this achievement and transform the glow of records into positive market results, paving a more promising future for the iconic Italian brand.
