Pentagram Creates Striking Racing-Inspired MINIs in New Collaboration with Deus

Pentagram partners Matt Willey and Piotr Woronkowicz have teamed up with Deus Ex Machina and MINI to create two striking one-off John Cooper Works cars: the 2025 J01 Electric “Skeg” and the 2025 F66 Petrol “Machina.”

The collaboration came to life after years of friendship and shared passion for motorsport. After designing a custom livery for a historic Mini Cooper S in 2023, Matt reunited with Deus creative director Carby Tuckwell and brought Piotr into the mix. What began as a graphic design project soon expanded into the full physical form of the cars, with Pentagram and Deus shaping everything from body materials to bespoke typefaces.

The “Machina” channels raw racing heritage with exposed seams, widened fenders, perforated aluminum and rally lighting, while the “Skeg” takes inspiration from surfboard construction, with translucent fiberglass panels, fluid aerodynamics and built-in board straps. Both prototypes celebrate the spirit of enthusiasts designing for enthusiasts, equal parts motorsport homage and creative experiment. The project extended into a Deus apparel line, launched alongside the cars at IAA Mobility in Munich, with the duo now set to appear at MINI and Deus events worldwide.

More design inspiration via Pentagram