MINI JCW x Deus Ex Machina, two unique cars that represent passion for motorsport and customisation

Deus Ex Machina is an Australian brand that began its journey in 2006 customising motorcycles and parts for them. Over the years the brand has evolved to include a clothing line and stores spread across the world, all without forgetting its past and, of course, without forgetting the customisation that has brought it to where it is today.

This track record and craftsmanship have led to a collaboration with MINI to decorate two cars with a name that conveys sportiness as soon as you hear it: the latest MINI John Cooper Works with combustion engine and its corresponding electric version. Although the two models differ greatly in their mechanics, they are now united by their sporty spirit and a design of artisanal character, elaborated down to the last detail.

The Skeg

The MINI JCW The Skeg is based on the electric version which, let us remember, delivers 258 CV of power and a torque of 350 Nm that, with its specific settings, aims to keep the “go-kart-like” driving feel that a classic MINI conveys. For its design, the team at Deus Ex Machina drew inspiration from the world of surfing, with bright, eye-catching colours that nonetheless convey calm.

Its bodywork has been painted in an eye-catching yellow combined with silver as the main colours, while most of the lower bodywork is painted black. However, what will undoubtedly attract the most attention are the oversized wheel arches and the use of semi-transparent fibreglass panels that reduce the weight of the assembly by 15%. At the rear it features the Flex Tip Surf Spoiler, whose shape is inspired by the concave underside of a surfboard, a nod to this sporty theme also present in the straps stretched across the roof, referencing the act of securing a board to the roof.

The interior of the electric MINI JCW is spartan, with analogue controls reduced to a minimum, a faithful reflection of surf culture, where functionality prevails over finish. They have also wanted to add details that make it feel like a surf shop on wheels, such as the fibreglass trays for wetsuits or the specially shaped shelving as a storage solution. For the upholstery, neoprene has been used, and the dashboard, in fibreglass, carries the construction technology of surfboards into the interior of this MINI.

El Machina:

For the creation of “El Machina” the combustion MINI JCW was used as a base, with its four-cylinder, 2,000 cc block delivering 231 CV of power and a torque of 380 Nm. A design has been applied to it that pays homage to MINI’s sporting heritage, with special attention paid to functionality and emotional appeal.

Its bodywork features red, white and black colours combined with the name Deus on the tail, and eye-catching details for contrast. The most striking elements will surely be the widened wheel arches in black or the four auxiliary lights mounted on the bonnet, which pay tribute to MINI’s heritage in rallying, along with various air intakes designed to improve cooling. At the rear it also features a striking fully functional diffuser inspired by the one carried by the MINI JCW that dominated the Nordschleife, together with the Can-Am style rear spoiler.

Inside El Machina there is a racing atmosphere everywhere, under a colour scheme that follows the same line as the exterior. The 5-point racing harness seats, the roll cage and the absence of unnecessary surfaces, such as the lack of door panels, in pursuit of the greatest possible weight saving, stand out in particular. It is also fitted with rocker switches and toggle buttons and a hydraulic handbrake with a large lever, all for direct operation and response.

It should be noted that both models will be presented at the MINI stand at IAA Mobility 2025 in an exclusive event in a few days’ time, where they can be seen by attendees until 14 September.