Reimagining an Icon: The 1998 Twin-turbo Lotus Esprit V8-GT by Doob Technology in Girona – SPAIN
The 1998 Lotus Esprit V8-GT holds a specific place in the history of British sports cars—and an even more personal one for Albino Alvarez Perez, founder of doob.technology. It was the car that first triggered his interest in engineering. Years later, it has become a fully rebuilt, track-capable platform used to showcase advanced systems integration and high-performance design. The project also served as the ideal application for the 7″ PLEX SDM-700R, chosen for its configurability, real-time visibility, and seamless compatibility with the vehicle’s upgraded electronic systems.
Doob.technology is an automotive workshop based in Girona, that specializes in advanced electronics integration, motorsport calibration, and bespoke high-performance builds. Their focus is on delivering technically sound, reliable systems tailored to real-world use—on track and beyond.
A Rare Platform, Rebuilt with Purpose
With only 204 units of the Esprit V8-GT ever produced, the car holds value by default. But in this case, it’s the quality and precision of the work that defines the project.
Whilst the chassis has been stripped, treated with anti-corrosion zinc coating, and resprayed to high standards, the suspension was rebuilt with upgraded bushings, joints, and sport-spec dampers to sharpen handling response under track conditions.
The 3.5L twin-turbo Lotus 918 V8 has been fitted with forged pistons, high-strength rods, and performance-profile camshafts. Cooling and control systems have been upgraded with water injection, a high-efficiency chargecooler, and a reprogrammed Emtron KV8 ECU. Upcoming additions include a sequential gearbox and widebody conversion, positioning the car as a modern interpretation of a classic chassis.
Project Specifications
| Location | Girona, Spain |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | 1998 Lotus Esprit V8-GT Limited production – 204 units worldwide |
| Engine & Powertrain |
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| ECU | Emtron KV8 ECU |
| Display Used | PLEX SDM-700R dash display/logger |
| Use Case | Trackday use and technical demonstration platform Also serves as a client-facing example of high-level system integration |
| Notable Feature | Modern motorsport electronics seamlessly integrated into a rare analog-era platform. |
| Display Highlight |
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| Website | www.doob.technology |
| instagram.com/doob.technology |
System Integration: The PLEX SDM-700R
To tie the vehicle’s upgraded internals to a reliable data interface, the team chose the PLEX SDM-700R dash display/logger. Installed and configured alongside the Emtron KV8 ECU, the system provides both real-time monitoring and detailed data logging, with a fully customizable display layout tailored to the car’s use on track and on the dyno.
“The SDM-700R gave us exactly what we had been looking for—both in terms of performance and integration. Real-time data, clear graphics, and full customization. Combined with the Emtron KV8, the result is a perfectly balanced setup for both driver and team.”
— Albino, doob.technology
A Technical Fit with Clear Advantages
The SDM-700R stood out for its advanced, yet intutitive CAN Bus configuration, broad ECU compatibility, and clarity in data presentation. With support for custom CAN frame mapping and a wide range of predefined ECU protocols, setup time was minimized and sensor coverage was extensive from the start.
The display’s high-resolution readability—even under direct sunlight—ensures usability under all weather conditions. Logging is high-speed and fully configurable, helping both driver and engineer make informed setup decisions efficiently.
Why PLEX?
The decision to work with PLEX came from first-hand experience. After successfully using the PLEX Knock Monitor V3 in earlier projects, doob.technology transitioned toward a unified display and monitoring setup built on the same principles: reliability, flexibility, and engineering precision.
This led to the selection of the SDM-700R, which met all functional requirements—during installation, on the dyno, and throughout live testing. Today, doob.technology also integrates and supplies a range of PLEX systems across customer builds, including the uSDM-200 Micro Display and the 5″ SDM-550 Dash Display Logger, reinforcing their commitment to using proven, configurable tools in demanding applications.
A Functional Tribute to Chapman’s Vision
While the Esprit’s appearance remains true to the original, its function has evolved. The car now operates as both a high-performance demo vehicle and a test platform for modern engine management and data systems. With upcoming drivetrain and aero changes already in motion, the platform continues to evolve.
What began as a personal project has become a detailed, data-driven build—executed with respect for the original design philosophy and developed with modern tools that bring out the car’s full potential.
About doob.technology
Based in Girona, Spain, doob.technology provides high-performance automotive solutions focused on advanced electronics integration, motorsport calibration, and track-proven setups. The workshop delivers tailored projects across race, trackday, and special-build segments, with a focus on function, durability, and engineering clarity.
2.8” uSDM-200
4.3” SDM-330
5” SDM-550
7” SDM-700R
uSDM-200-DL/G
SDM-330-DL/G
SDM-550
SDM-700R
Knock Monitor V3
PCA-2000Plus
PLEX KNOCK MONITOR V3
PLEX PCA-2000Plus
Device Configuration SW
PCA-2000Plus System
PCA-WIN 2.0 SW
Pressure Sensors
PLEX PBC v2 KIT
PLEX EXP-Boost
PLEX PDA-WIN 2.0 SW
PLEX PDA-WIN PRO 2.0 SW
Combustion Analysis SW