Observe this AI-powered Maserati achieving incredible speeds to set a new record.

      Indy Autonomous Challenge Maserati MC20 Sets New Autonomous Land Speed Record (Live Telemetry)

      An unoccupied Maserati MC20, operating under an AI system, has recently set a new record for the fastest speed achieved by an autonomous vehicle, clocking in at an impressive 197.7 mph (318 kph) at Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility, part of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Video footage of this remarkable accomplishment (above) captures the self-driving Maserati MC20 racing down the runway that was once used for Space Shuttle landings, with the speedometer steadily climbing to the historic speed. This achievement stemmed from a collaboration between the Indy Autonomous Challenge, the Politecnico di Milano science and technology university, Maserati, and the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, surpassing the prior record of 192.8 mph (310.3 kph) established during the Indy Autonomous Challenge in 2022.

      The Maserati used in this record-setting drive is fitted with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that generates 621 horsepower. It has been adapted to operate autonomously using AI driver software developed by the PoliMOVE-MSU team, which is affiliated with AIDA's performance division (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous of Politecnico di Milano). "These global speed records represent much more than just a demonstration of future technology," stated Paul Mitchell, CEO of Indy Autonomous Challenge and Aidoptation BV. "We are pushing AI-driven software and robotics hardware to their limits. Utilizing a street car for this allows us to apply the insights gained from autonomous racing to promote safe, secure, and sustainable high-speed autonomous mobility on highways."

      While the Maserati was able to maintain high speed without needing to navigate turns, stop for traffic signals, or avoid pedestrians, any minor deviation at such speeds would have needed immediate correction to prevent catastrophe, showcasing the effectiveness of the AI system. Although envisioning a future filled with high-speed commuting in such a vehicle can be exciting — perhaps while playing a relaxing game of Wordle — there are currently limited roads that are both long and straight enough to safely accommodate such speeds, even with an advanced AI handling the driving. One can certainly forget about achieving those speeds on Pakistan’s notorious Fairy Meadows Road.

      Not long ago, Trevor transitioned from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)...

      Electrified buses are enhancing urban transit, one stop at a time

      When you hear "EV," you typically think of cars, but the term encompasses a broader range, including e-bikes, scooters, and buses. Public transportation is already a relatively sustainable choice. Considering the substantial size of bus battery packs and their inherent efficiency for mass transit, does switching to electric buses significantly reduce emissions? Is it worthwhile to pursue the effort and investment required to implement commercial charging infrastructure? Our initial inquiry led us to the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, a specialized government body that supports the electrification of public transport by providing resources and technical support to local agencies.

      Tesla announces launch date for the redesigned Model Y in the U.S.

      Tesla's updated Model Y will begin rolling out in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in March, the company announced on Thursday. Alongside a series of social media posts, Tesla released a brief video highlighting the newly designed Model Y, which has a starting price of $59,990 in the U.S.

      EV sales surge may persist as Trump delays ending federal rebates, according to report

      According to an Associated Press report, a spike in electric vehicle sales in the last months of the previous year could continue into 2025, as consumers seek to maximize federal tax incentives while available. On his inauguration day, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Unleashing American Energy,” which indicates that the government is “considering the elimination of unfair subsidies and other misguided government-imposed market distortions that favor EVs over other technologies.” During his campaign, Trump’s team indicated plans to end the Biden administration’s $7,500 tax credit for the purchase or lease of an EV, without providing a specific timeline.

      Americans hurried to take advantage of the incentive, contributing to a greater than 15% increase in EV sales in the fourth quarter, as reported by Cox Automotive. Recent surveys reveal that such incentives have significantly influenced EV sales in recent years, and a majority of Americans support government incentives for EV purchases. Meanwhile, the language in Trump’s executive order, stating that his administration is still 'considering' its options, leaves uncertainty regarding when any changes might take effect. “Temporarily, sales of EVs could surge as car buyers hurry to take advantage of current tax credits,” the Associated Press report mentions.

      To repeal the EV tax credit, the Trump administration must secure congressional approval. This process is expected to unfold amidst broader negotiations concerning the extension of Trump's first-term tax cuts, which are set to expire near the end