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-mounted, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine dubbed "Nettuno," the MC20 boasts an impressive 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. This power is channeled through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to the rear wheels, providing the necessary performance for such extreme speeds.The autonomous driving software was developed by the PoliMOVE-MSU team, part of the performance division of AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous) at Politecnico di Milano.The significance of this achievement extends far beyond speed records. IAC CEO Paul Mitchell noted that these high-speed tests push AI-driver software and robotics hardware to their limits, with the ultimate goal of improving safety in everyday autonomous vehicles. By testing autonomous systems at extreme velocities, researchers can evaluate the behavior of AI drivers in challenging conditions, potentially leading to safer autonomous driving on highways."These AI systems have been tested in production vehicles at legal road speeds in the Indy Autonomous Challenge races since 2021," said Prof. Sergio Matteo Savaresi at Politecnico di Milano.The record-shattering Maserati MC20 Coup isn't alone in pushing the boundaries of autonomous technology. Its counterpart, a Maserati MC20 Cielo convertible, also equipped with Politecnico di Milano's autonomous system, joined the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida convoy. The Cielo boasts its own groundbreaking performance in the 2023 edition of the historic 1000 Miglia race in Italy, where it navigated approximately 60 km without human intervention.