A self-driving Maserati MC20 has just done 197.7mph

A self-driving Maserati MC20 has hit 197.7mph at Kennedy Space Center, setting a new (non-Guinness-officiated) world speed record courtesy of a group of really very clever AI engineers from Milan's Polytechnic university, and Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC).

The record set sans human beats the previous autonomous top speed of 192.8mph set by IAC's AV-21, but that's a proper racing car underneath. Last November, IAC got the MC20 to a self-driven 177mph in Italy, too.

Boss of Indy Autonomous Challenge, Paul Mitchell said: “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.”

Milan Polytechnic's Prof Sergio Matteo Savaresi added: "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."

And speaking of urban mobility... back in 2023, a version of the gorgeous MC20 Cielo outfitted with self-driving tech by the same really very clever AI engineers managed 37 miles across the actual Mille Miglia route in Italy. Which is impressive. Next stop, rush-hour in the middle of Rome.