A few days before the IAA mobility show was officially opened, I had the opportunity to see Mini’s latest collaboration with Deus Ex Machina in the brand of the brand in Central Munich. Two once stood quietly inside and waited for their great unveiling: an electric, a gasoline, both with John Cooper Works Badge and Deus’ characteristic raw design.
From rally phases to street attempts
Mini’s competition history is known. Victories in Monte Carlo in the 1960s, a famous 1-2-3 finish in the year ’66, and a number of strong results consolidated the Cooper S as motorsport outsider, which regularly released larger competitors. These new concepts use this past, but filter them through Deus’ surf and motorcycle culture. The results are two very different cars with a common DIY spirit.
The SKEG – an electric surfboard on wheels
The skeg takes the electric JCW (J01) and turns it into something that looks more at home on the beach than the boulevard. Half -transparent fiber optic plates fall off and catch light in an unexpected way. Wide fenders and a large roof spoiler give him an attitude, while the back “surfboard” poiler is a clear allusion to the roots of Deus.
Inside it is withdrawn and deliberately rough on the edges: neopra seats, trays for wetsuits and a dashboard like a surfboard. It feels less like a concept car and more like someone rolling surf hut.
The Machina-a petrol drive relapse
Where the skeg is on the coast, the Machina is all circuit. Based on the F66 JCW petrol, it is 231 hp and proudly wears its rally inspiration. Quad lamps at the front, a red and white paint paint and a huge roof wing let it prepare for a special stage.
The interior is mere metal, a roller cage and a hydraulic handbrake – closer to a racing car than anything you can find in an exhibition room. It is chaotic, mechanical and honest what exactly the point is.
Two cars, one approach
Both cars carry a huge “X” over the roof to mark the cooperation. Also is also not for production. They are experiments and mix the motorsport roots from Mini with the Deus workshop style. At the beginning of this year, the partnership also produced a painting for the Nürburgring entry by Bulldog Racing, which landed on the podium.
What’s next at IAA?
In addition to these two, Mini will show the Aceman SE and Countryman SE All4 as part of its growing electrical line -up. BMW pulled out the wraps from the New Class IX3 production – a big debut that will probably dominate the headlines.
