MINI, in collaboration with the fashion and lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina, presents two spectacular John Cooper Works one-offs. They celebrate MINI’s motorsport heritage with a creative vision of bold design, functional details, and craftsmanship.
Julia Obermeier, Creative Director BMW Group Design, to GoSee: “Two unique cars, two worlds: the electric ‘The Skeg’ with surf-inspired vibes, and the powerful ‘The Machina’ with pure racing aesthetics. Motorsport DNA meets craftsmanship and creative freedom. Both vehicles embody authenticity over perfection – the beauty of imperfection. We translated this feeling into eight MINI Art Collages: photographed by Bernhard Filser and digitally processed by Sebastian Onufszak. Tire treads, fiberglass, and striking surfaces – all these materials flow into the visuals as graphic textures, giving the images a tangible roughness. The car graphics themselves become a striking stage. The collaboration premiered at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich.”
“MINI models have always been defined by a mix of creative design and motorsport dynamics,” explains MINI Head Stefan Richmann. “Our collaboration with Deus Ex Machina takes this philosophy to a new level and introduces exciting new impulses for fans and motorsport enthusiasts. The partners share a passion for machines, innovation, and creativity, along with an authentic connection to their community.”
“In this extraordinary collaboration, we showcase two vehicles that honor MINI’s motorsport history and achievements. Every small detail was crafted with skill and sensitivity. The result is unique characters that are instantly recognizable through their bold design language and graphic elements,” says Holger Hampf, Head of MINI Design.
Visible seams, bold switches, and traditional levers emphasize the mechanical character of the cockpits. The materials and colors create striking contrasts – a deliberate break from high-gloss perfection. Instead of perfection, authenticity is prioritized: designers describe a “raw, handcrafted vibe” that celebrates “the beauty of imperfection.” On the exterior, expressive graphics composed of numbers, geometric elements, and bright colors pay homage to MINI’s motorsport legacy.
