If I were to tell you that the Koenigsegg Jesko and Mazda MX-5 Miata shared some DNA, you'd likely consider having me committed. On the one hand, the Jesko is a 1,600-horsepower hypercar that packs a mid-mounted 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and is capable of top speeds of more than 330 mph in the case of the Jesko Absolut. On the other, the current fourth-generation MX-5 Miata is a compact, lightweight roadster that packs a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine with just 181 hp and the choice of having a manual gearbox. It can't even match half the top speed of the Jesko, and yet there's a common thread between the two. That's what Christian von Koenigsegg told us when we spoke to him on the phone recently.

For those that don't know, Christian von Koenigsegg owned a first-generation (NA) Mazda Miata back before the Koenigsegg brand was up and running. He's published photos of him and his wife standing beside it, and the same photo even appeared in the videos used at the recent post-Geneva unveiling of the Koenigsegg Gemera and Jesko Absolut. Koenigsegg's test drivers have even been known to pilot Miatas around the Nurburgring at breakneck speeds. When asked if the ethos of the Miata had any influence on the driving dynamics of Koenigsegg vehicles, Christian's answer was a solid one.

"Absolutely, one hundred percent yes! There's a purity to the MX-5, especially the early versions. That is hard to find." He also mentioned the McLaren F1's focus on the driving experience as a huge influence on all Koenigsegg cars.

Christian was eager to point out that "it's easy to misunderstand Koenigsegg with all our power numbers and top speed, that that's our main focus. And it's really not; I mean, we focus much more on driving experience, and handling, and feedback, and the way it feels than how fast it is. So for sure, inspiration comes from the MX-5."

There was also good news in the call for fans of the MX-5, as Christian was quite happy to tell us that he'd tracked down and bought back his old Miata: "I found my old car and bought it back, and it's in pretty good condition." Despite the fact that CvK is known to daily a Tesla Model S, he still drives his Miata regularly, with the automotive mogul claiming "I still drive it and I still love it. And you can have so much fun with almost no power at all, as is proven with the MX-5."