MINI JCW x Deus Ex Machina: two unique interpretations of the MINI John Cooper Works

MINI and Deus Ex Machina are united by a shared passion for motorsport and individualized cars. Both brands attach great importance to innovation, authenticity and a close connection to their community. More than technology, more than design: these unique models embody a lifestyle in which passion for motorsport meets creativity and thoughtful design magazin de piese auto online.

MINI JCW x Deus Ex Machina: two unique interpretations of the MINI John Cooper Works

"MINI models have always been characterised by the combination of creative design and motorsport dynamics," explains MINI Head Stefan Richmann. "With the collaboration with Deus Ex Machina, we are taking this philosophy to a new level and setting new, exciting directions for fans and motorsport enthusiasts. Our partnership is based on 'passion for machines, innovation and creativity' as well as an authentic connection to their own community," adds Richmann.

Purist, functional and graphic design approach

Both vehicle concepts are based on the MINI John Cooper Works model – on the one hand the MINI JCW Electric with an output of up to 190 kW/258 hp, and on the other – the MINI JCW with a petrol engine and an output of 170 kW/231 hp.

"In this exclusive collaboration, we present two cars that remind us of MINI's racing history and successes. Every detail, even the smallest, has been crafted with masterful precision and competence. This has resulted in unique characters that, thanks to their distinctive design language and the use of graphic elements, are clearly perceived as belonging to a single whole," says Holger Hampf, Head of MINI Design.

Visible seams, expressive switches and traditional levers underline the mechanical character of the cockpits. The materials and colours used create bold contrasts – a conscious move away from glossy elements. Instead of perfection, authenticity is put in the foreground: the designers speak of a “raw, artisanal look” that celebrates the “beauty of imperfection”. The exterior is decorated with expressive graphics of numbers, geometric elements and bright colours – a tribute to MINI’s racing history.

The unique MINI JCW x DEUS

Built as a pair, they are similar in character but completely different in execution. As a unifying element, the roofs of both cars bear a white “X”, which is more than a design highlight – it is the symbol of the process of co-creation of two icons: MINI x DEUS.

The Skeg – visionary, electric, at home on the coast

Deus Ex Machina straddles the worlds of motorsports and surf culture. The electric show car “The Skeg” draws inspiration from materials, technologies and philosophies from the world of surfing: fiberglass, acceleration and minimalism.

The body of the car shines in a striking combination of yellow and silver – a statement about electric mobility at MINI. The widened wings, the rear roof spoiler and the illuminated front grille stand out at first glance. Translucent fibreglass elements reduce weight by 15% while at the same time improving aerodynamics through optimised airflow. The Flex-Tip Surf spoiler increases aerodynamics by dynamically adapting to the air currents – just as a surfboard adjusts to the wave. Like the concave underside of a surfboard, which directs the water and creates lift, this spoiler channels the airflow for optimum aerodynamics – a direct reference to surfing technology.

The roof straps are reminiscent of the ropes used to secure surfboards to car roofs and symbolise the mobility and style of the surf lifestyle. Elastic straps are also a distinctive design element of the new MINI family – integrated into the dashboard as an accent or in the 6 o’clock spoke of the steering wheel.

Custom-made translucent fiberglass elements on the roof, front and rear, and in the interior create a dynamic play of light – permeable, strong, and responsive to the time of day and environment. They are both lightweight and durable.

The interior

The interior of the electric racing show car is clean and practical – an expression of surf culture that puts function over perfection. It resembles a mobile surf shop: an example of well-thought-out functionality is the fiberglass wetsuit shelves. Specially shaped compartments are a practical storage solution and bring surf culture into the interior. The neoprene upholstery of the lightweight “trough” racing seats – flexible, water-repellent and comfortable – also creates a tangible connection to surfing. The sisal floor covering is not only particularly environmentally friendly, but also extremely durable.

The fiberglass dashboard brings surfboard construction technology to the automotive world. It combines lightness and strength, adding a fresh aesthetic accent. The analog controls also refer to surf culture. Simple, functional and intuitive to use, they bring authenticity and, through a common graphic element, re-establish the symbolic “X”. Details such as the Deus Collection emblems on the belts, as well as the 3D-printed inserts in the center console, symbolize belonging to a culture based on craft, connection and the pursuit of speed.

The Machina – noisy, mechanical, with motorsport genes

The second MINI JCW show car with an internal combustion engine is “The Machina” – John Cooper Works, which embodies a compact blend of raw mechanics and racing pedigree. Inspired by the aesthetics of motorsport, it embodies pure passion for racing and authentic functionality.

The exterior: characteristic elements with a connection to motorsport

The exterior design pays homage to the racing genes of the MINI brand. Every element of character has been carefully selected with a focus on functionality and emotional impact.

The distinctive features are the red-white-black paintwork with bright accents and the Deus lettering on the rear. The classic flared fenders follow the tradition of racing aesthetics and functionality. The four additional headlights on the bonnet are a reference to rally sports. The custom-made light units are highly functional lighting systems that give the car a unique appearance and each of them carries a little DEUS branding.

The rear diffuser is inspired by the MINI JCW race car on the legendary Nordschleife. It not only channels the airflow under the car for optimum stability, but also provides a connection to one of the most demanding racetracks in the world. The exhaust is integrated into the central part of the diffuser as a key design element. This solution optimises aerodynamics and allows you to enjoy the engine both acoustically and visually.

In addition to the custom-made front grille, the headlight frames are also perforated and serve a functional cooling function. The typical MINI John Cooper Works light signature with functional air intake is the visual link to the MINI genes. This characteristic element pays homage to the John Cooper Works tradition and clearly underlines that this racing show car is no ordinary car, but a High Performance model with a clear racing pedigree.

The Can-Am-style spoiler is a direct reference to one of the most spectacular racing series in the history of motorsport. It is not just an aerodynamic element, but also a historical message from an era where creativity and engineering knew no bounds.

The interior

The interior of the JCW show car is dominated by the classic JCW colours of red, white and black. Each element has a clear purpose. The five-point racing harness is not just a safety feature, but wraps around the driver like a second skin and is an integral part of the overall concept. The rough aluminium floor panels offer more than just good grip – they recall the functional aesthetic characteristic of Deus motorcycle workshops – from Sydney to Venice Beach to Changu.

One of the many weight-saving measures is the greatly simplified inner door panels, which feature a large white “X”. In addition, the dashboard is made primarily of coated fabric, which is both lightweight and, with its weathered appearance, emphasizes the artisanal character. The protective roll cage structure is both a safety feature and a sculptural accent – a clear sign of the car’s suitability for the racetrack.

The control elements of the show car speak a clear language of functionality and directness. Every switch, every button is designed to be intuitive and reliable even under extreme conditions. The switches are classic elements – no complicated menus, just direct mechanical connections between thought and action. They give the driver a constant feeling of control over the car. The icon buttons are carefully designed for the relationship between man and machine, each with an unambiguous function. A classic in the concept is the hydraulic handbrake with a large lever – a direct link between driver and car, both a tool and a statement, a symbol of precision and control. The JCW show car is a mobile manifesto and pays homage to the racing DNA of the MINI brand.

Concentrated creative power for two true design masterpieces

In collaboration with the MINI Design team, the BMW Group subsidiary Designworks provided creative impetus with unconventional ideas for the project. Deus Creative Director Karby Tuckwell and his team, led by Matt Wiley, took care of the impressive exterior graphics of the two unique vehicles and completed the work, which reflects the exceptional dynamics and remarkable design of the two vehicles.

“Deus has a long-standing creative partnership with Matt Willey – a partnership built on a sincere respect for the power of design and art. Bringing him on board for this project was a natural step for us – he has worked closely with me and the Deus team since our first creative project, which was on a MINI in 2024,” says Carby Tuckwell, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Deus.

Deus x Matt Willey: inspiration from historic motorsport

Deus’ Karby Tuckwell and Matt Willey have been working together since 2015. United by their passion for classic racing paint finishes, they created a historic Mini Cooper S racing car in 2022 with a special livery designed by Willey. The design references the classic Mini’s glorious and victorious history in the Monte Carlo Rally, including the starting number 37, which Paddy Hopkirk drove in 1964 and brought the British small car its first overall victory in the most famous of all rallies.

Matt Willey, originally from England and living in Brooklyn, became a partner at the prestigious design firm Pentagram after working for five years as art director for the New York Times Magazine.

Taking stock and looking to the future: competitions, photo shoot and IAA premiere

The MINI John Cooper Works, specially prepared for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring (June 19-22, 2025), with its puristic black and white design, provided a first glimpse into the collaboration in which tradition and innovation, craftsmanship and technology, individuality and community are not opposites but strong bonds. At the end of an exciting racing weekend, the car prepared by Bulldog Racing finished in an impressive second place in the SP3T class.

Shared vision becomes tangible

Part of the partnership is the MINI x Deus Ex Machina clothing collection, which will be presented on September 8, 2025 at the IAA in Munich and will then be available online worldwide and in Deus Ex Machina stores. The collection, exclusively designed for this collaboration, is built on the shared DNA of both brands – precise mechanics, timeless style and a love of detail. High-quality materials and well-thought-out cuts are the standard for this collection.

You can be first after me.

The culmination of the MINI JCW x DEUS project communication campaign is the world premiere at the IAA Mobility 2025 with the exclusive MINI JCW x DEUS Night on September 6th in the MINI Pavilion. The vehicles from the MINI JCW x DEUS collaboration can be seen there until September 14th. An additional highlight is the exclusive MINI x DEUS lifestyle collection, which will be available in the same space as well as online on all DEUS channels and in their stores.

"You can be first after me" - this is the slogan under which the worlds of MINI and Deus Ex Machina are united. The common story has already begun and promises many more exciting chapters written under the sign of automotive passion.

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"MINI models have always been characterised by the combination of creative design and motorsport dynamics," explains MINI Head Stefan Richmann

Purist, functional and graphic design approach