BMW's small-car brand has partnered with an iconic Australian fashion brand to create these two hot-hatch concepts – one of which could foreshadow a new JCW GP track special.
Mini has laid the groundwork for the future of its John Cooper Works division with the debut of two one-off hot hatchbacks designed in partnership with Australian lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina.
Revealed by Mini ahead of next week's Munich motor show, the concepts – one petrol, one electric – are pitched as a design exercise, which will also form the basis of a range of branded merchandise.
However, the vehicles wear aggressive, race-track-ready styling that would not look out of place on the next iteration of Mini's flagship John Cooper Works GP hot-hatch line.
The Machina is the petrol-powered show car of the two, based on a production Cooper JCW three-door but "inspired by the aesthetics of motorsport".
Bold wheel-arch flares cover deep-dish black wheels wrapped in Toyo track-day tyres, there's a new lower front splitter, the rear diffuser is inspired by Mini JCWs that race on Germany's Nurburgring race track, and there's a tall 'Can-Am-style' rear wing.
Four rally-style spotlights sit on the bonnet – each with 'Deus' branding – while the red, white and black livery, also with Deus lettering and dots on the doors, was styled by the Australian firm.
A new front grille insert and "perforated headlight surrounds" are claimed to improve cooling, though there is no more power listed from the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 170kW and 380Nm in showroom trim.
The Machina's stripped-out interior gains racing seats with five-point harnesses, a racing steering wheel, new raw aluminium floor plates, and various elements to save weight, including new door panels, and a waxed fabric dashboard.
The regular Mini's circular central screen and key controls have been retained, but additional switches have been added, as well as larger shift paddles, and a prominent hydraulic handbrake.
Meanwhile, the Skeg show car is claimed to be "shaped by surfboards, sea spray, and the stripped-back rhythm of beach life," based on an electric JCW E – complete with its standard 190kW single electric motor.
Styling upgrades over its showroom donor include unique wheel-arch flares, and a new closed-off front 'grille' with illumination.
The tall rear spoiler is claimed to "[draw] from the concave underside of a [surf]board, redirecting movement, generating lift, and turning design into function".
Semi-transparent fibreglass panels – akin to the materials used for surfboards – are fitted across the roof, front and rear ends, and interior to remove a claimed 15 per cent of the standard car's weight.
Other design details include unique multi-spoke wheels, and 'tension straps' on the roof claimed to "reference the familiar ritual of tying down a surfboard after a session," which are also seen on the steering wheel and dashboard.
The Skeg's interior is less extreme than its petrol-powered counterpart, but there are racing bucket seats trimmed in water-repellent neoprene, and 3D-printed centre-console details.
The use of fibreglass extends to the door panels, dashboard, and even storage trays for wetsuits.
A white 'X' on the roof of both vehicles is said to connect them, despite different themes, styling elements and colours.
The one-off cars were developed in a partnership between Mini and Deus Ex Machina, a Sydney-based fashion design house known for its association with motorcycles and surfing culture.
Coinciding with the public debut of the cars in Munich next week will be the launch of a new Mini x Deus merchandise range, available on site or via Deus online and in-store sales channels.
Mini has not indicated plans to build showroom versions of the concepts, so they will remain one-offs for display in Munich.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
