MINI has collaborated with the lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina to create two exclusive one-off John Cooper Works cars, celebrating their shared passion for motorsport and customization. The two vehicles, a MINI JCW Electric and a combustion engine-powered MINI JCW, each feature a large white “X” on the roof, symbolizing the partnership between the two brands. This collaboration showcases a “raw, handcrafted approach” that celebrates the “beauty of imperfection” over a high-gloss finish.
The first car, named “The Skeg,” is an electric-powered show car that draws inspiration from surf culture. It features semi-transparent fiberglass panels, which reduce the car’s weight by 15%, and a “Flex Tip Surf Spoiler” at the rear that mimics the aerodynamics of a surfboard. Inside, the dashboard is made from the same material as a surfboard, and the seats are upholstered in water-repellent neoprene, creating a connection to surfing.
The second car, “The Machina,” is a combustion-engine vehicle inspired by motorsport aesthetics. Its exterior pays homage to MINI’s racing history with widened fenders, four additional headlights on the bonnet, and a Can-Am-style rear spoiler. The interior is stripped back and purposeful, with a red, white, and black color palette, a five-point racing harness, and raw aluminum floor plates that evoke the feel of a custom motorcycle workshop.
The vehicles will be premiered at IAA Mobility 2025 on September 6 at the MINI Pavilion and will be on display until September 14. In addition to the cars, a capsule apparel collection from the partnership will be launched on September 8 and will be available globally.