No, I'm not confusing the two. The Elise/Exige would be unbeatable with more horses. With 190 (in the Elise) and 0 torque, or 220 (Elise 220) with 5 ft lb torque, or in the Exige S 240 with 5 ft lb torque, the engine needs some help. If you believe that even the Exige is a low 4 second car, have you driven one? Plus add two 170# 'ers or even 170+120, and the car slows noticeably. Don't misunderstand, I really like the idea of the Elise/Exige, just the execution is somewhat lacking, esp for 70 large.
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/19/hennessey-releases-details-on-venom-gt/
Hennessey releases details on Venom GT
or something based more in reality
One-off Lotus hints at V6 Exige - 19 January 2005
:
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=213116