THE base 3.8-litre V6 engine is standard in the Calais. The supercharged V6 and the imported Gen III all-alloy V8 are optional. The V8 is a basic pushrod design but uses state-of-the-art electronics such as sequential electronic fuel injection, twin knock control sensors and separate ignition coils for each cylinder. The design also incorporates low-friction technology. It uses oversquare bore-stroke dimensions and has six-bolt main bearings where the base V6 uses a four-bolt design. Capacity is 5.665-litres and the compression ratio is a high 10:1. The V8 winds out 225kW of power at 5200rpm and 460Nm of torque at 4400rpm. Recommended fuel is regular 91 octane unleaded. A stainless steel exhaust prolongs the system's life expectancy.