Mini reveals two wildly different JCW concepts

In a surprising collaboration with the lifestyle and custom motorcycle brand Deus Ex Machina, Mini has unleashed two one-off concepts based on its high-performance John Cooper Works models. Named Machina and Skeg, these cars are a visual feast of aggressive styling, but they represent two very different philosophies.

Leading the charge for the future of electric cars is the Skeg, a concept based on the all-electric Mini JCW. This car sheds the typical seriousness of performance vehicles for a laid-back, surf-inspired vibe. Its silver, black, and yellow livery is interrupted by panels of raw, semi-transparent fiberglass, a material choice that pays homage to classic surfboard construction.

The bodywork is extreme, featuring massive translucent fender extensions that, besides looking dramatic, manage to shave off 15 percent of the original component's weight. The front grille, no longer needed for engine cooling, is a closed, illuminated panel with seven playful circular cutouts at its base. The look is completed with racing wheels, a bright yellow rear diffuser, and a massive roof-mounted "Flex Tip Surf Spoiler."

Inside, the coastal theme continues. The cabin is stripped down and features more of the semi-transparent fiberglass. A pair of racing bucket seats is upholstered in durable neoprene, the same material used for wetsuits. In a nod to minimalist race cars, straps replace traditional interior door handles.

The most unique feature is a surfboard strapped to the inside of the roof, held in place by two bright yellow tension straps that wrap around the roof and can be used outside as well. There are even fiberglass trays designed specifically to hold wet gear after a day at the beach.

Representing the traditional, gasoline-powered side is the Machina. Based on the internal combustion Mini JCW, this car is all business. It ditches the Skeg's beach-ready look for a purely track-focused aesthetic. Its red, white, and black wrap is complemented by wide fender extensions, retro-style rally lights mounted on the hood, and a custom grille.

In a functional twist, the standard headlights have been replaced with simple LED bars to make room for additional air intakes. Around back, a huge Can-Am-style rear wing and a larger diffuser leave no doubt about the Machina's intentions.

The interior of the Machina is a no-nonsense workspace for a driver. The cabin is stripped to its bare essentials, featuring aluminum floor plates and an exposed roll cage for safety and rigidity. A pair of racing buckets with five-point harnesses will keep the occupants firmly in place.

The driver gets a three-spoke "deep dish" steering wheel, a hydraulic handbrake for initiating slides, and a center console full of satisfying toggle switches. This tactile approach was a deliberate choice to provide easier access to controls compared to navigating menus on the standard circular touchscreen.

Here is the interesting twist: for all their wild and aggressive bodywork, both cars are mechanically standard underneath. The Machina uses the familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower (170 kW) and 280 lb-ft of torque. The electric Skeg features its standard powertrain, delivering 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Both concepts ride on the same John Cooper Works chassis as their showroom counterparts, with no additional tuning. This reveals the true purpose of these vehicles: they are design exercises meant to spark conversation and showcase creative possibilities, not to set new lap records.

Since these unique electric and gas cars are one-offs, they will not be appearing in showrooms anytime soon. The tangible result of this partnership is a Mini x Deus Ex Machina apparel line, which is set to launch on September 8 at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich. Unlike the cars, the clothing collection will be available for purchase, allowing fans to buy a piece of the collaboration.

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