Maserati MC20 Goes 197 MPH Without a Driver, Setting a New Record

The record was broken on a 2.8-mile runway previously used by space shuttles.

Maserati MC20 Top Speed Record

Photo by: Indy Autonomous Challenge

Anthony Alaniz

By: Anthony Alaniz

Mar 3, 2025 at 6:00am ET

Add Motor1.com as a preferred source in Google

Comment

A Maserati MC20 has just set a record in Florida. A team has modified the Italian supercar to drive autonomously, and it reached 197.7 miles per hour at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), beating the previous record of 192.8 mph.

The record run happened at KSC’s Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility last month during the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida. It’s one of the world’s longest runways, measuring 2.8 miles long and providing plenty of room for such high-speed tests.

Maserati MC20 Top Speed Record

Photo by: Indy Autonomous Challenge

“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,” said Paul Mitchell, CEO of Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), the company that worked with Politecnico di Milano to modify the university’s AI driver to operate autonomously in the Maserati.

What do you think?

View

Comments

The previous record was held by a race car built by Indy Autonomous Challenge. Another MC20 actually holds the previous record for the fastest autonomous car at 177 mph, which IAC achieved last November.

This isn’t the first self-driving Maserati to put its technology on display. Last year, an autonomous GranCabrio joined the 1000 Miglia in Italy, while an MC20 entered the event in 2023. However, sales for the brand tanked last year, falling by nearly 60 percent compared to 2023. The company sold just 11,300 units last year, as it struggles alongside the rest of the Stellantis portfolio.

Here's More Maserati News:

Fixing Maserati's Terrible Sales Won't Be Easy, Says New CEO

Production of Fiat and Maserati EVs Will Stay Paused Over Slow Sales

Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily.

back

Subscribe For more info, read our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use.

Source: Indy Autonomous Challenge

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motor1.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The Motor1.com Team

Share this Story

GO TO COMMENTS

(

)

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@motor1.com

View all comments ( )

Popular

12 Cars With Names That Make Absolutely No Sense

BMW Kept This Hatchback A Secret For Decades

Bugatti Restores One-Off Veyron With A Mirror-Like Aluminum Body

EU Moves Closer To Keeping Gas Cars Alive After 2035. Here's What's Changed