Driverless Maserati MC20 breaks speed record, reaches 197.7 mph on NASA runway

What just happened? A new achievement in autonomous vehicle technology unfolded at the Kennedy Space Center last month as a driverless Maserati MC20 Coupe shattered the land speed record for self-driving cars. The sleek Italian supercar reached an astounding 197.7 mph, surpassing the previous record of 192.8 mph set in April 2022. This feat not only showcases the rapid advancement of self-driving technology but also highlights the potential for autonomous racing to translate into safety improvements in everyday autonomous vehicles. The test was orchestrated by the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) in partnership with Politecnico di Milano, Italy's largest scientific-technological university. The run took place on the historic 2.8-mile runway at the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility (LLF), once used for NASA Space Shuttle landings. The Maserati MC20, an exotic sports car with a retail price starting at $239,000, was ideal for this high-speed autonomous test. Powered by a mid-mou ... Read full article.