Citroën chose the Paris Motor Show today to roll out its updated C5 sedan and estate (Tourer) models. The French firm’s VW Passat rival has been refreshed for the 2011 model year with some modest styling changes and technology upgrades.

Since the C5 has only been out since early 2008, the cosmetic updates were kept to a minimum and concern the front headlamps that gain a strip of LEDs and the revised tail lamps that receive a new “Dark Crystal” treatment with clear glass in the central section.

There are more important changes under the hood with the introduction of a new e-HDi engine and a new generation 2.2-liter turbo diesel unit.

The e-HDi marries a 110HP four-cylinder diesel to Citroën’s ‘micro hybrid technology’ featuring a stop-start system and a smart alternator able to recover energy during braking. This model also gets an EGS6 electronic gearbox system with steering-wheel paddles and low rolling resistance tires. According to the French automaker, the C5 e-HDi returns a combined fuel economy figure of 4.6 lt/100km (51.2 mpg US) and emits 120 g/km of CO2.

The second new engine in the range is a 2.2-liter turbo diesel producing 200-horsepower and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. Mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, this engine offers the C5 a top speed of 230 km/h (225 km/h for the Tourer), a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.3 seconds (Tourer: 8.6) and a combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.9 lt/100 km or 39.9 mpg US (Tourer: 6.1lt/100km). The saloon emits 155 g/km of CO2 and the Tourer 159 g/km.

Citroën said the new C5 model range will go on sale across Europe in the fourth quarter of the year.

Celebrating its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show alongside the new 911 GTS models, will be a new member of Porsche’s long-running sports car family, the 911 Speedster, which will be launched onto the market in December 2010.

The car might be new, but the Speedster name is old, in fact far older than the 911 itself as it was first used on the classic 356 model of 1953. Porsche revived the Speedster in 1989 with a limited run edition based on the 911 Carrera 3.2, followed in 1992/1993 by a newer model based on the Type 964 911 Carrera. According to Porsche, two examples of the Type 993 911 Speedster were also built to special order.

Designed and conceived by the Porsche Exclusive department in Stuttgart, the new 911 Convertible-based Speedster pays a styling homage to its predecessors featuring a 60mm lowered and more rakish windscreen as well as the characteristic ‘double-bubble’ hardcover behind the cabin for the manual soft top.

The car’s “chopped down” appearance is further enhanced by the use of the Carrera 4 body with its 44 millimeter wider rear stance.

In addition to these changes, the 911 Speedster also benefits from a series of other styling upgrades including a bespoke front spoiler, specific side-skirts, a distinct rear apron, tinted front lights, black headlight surrounds and black windscreen border. It also features a set of retrotastic Fuchs-style rims and color-coordinated black stone guards ahead of the rear wheels, which are reminiscent of prior editions of the 911.

Porsche developed an exclusive “Pure Blue” finish for the Speedster but upon request, the car is also available in Carrara White, at no extra cost.

Interior modifications are limited to the specific color and trim options such as the black leather upholstery with color-keyed elements.

Power for the new Speedster comes from the 911 GTS’s tweaked 3.8-litre flat six that delivers 408-horsepower, or 23HP more in comparison with the 911 Carrera S. The firm’s seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission is in charge of delivering power to the rear axle which is fitted with a standard differential lock. Other standard features include the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).

While Porsche did not release performance figures, the Stuttgart-based automaker said the Speedster returns an average fuel consumption of 10.3lt /100 km (22.8 mpg US).

Commemorating its famous 1950′s forebear, the German firm will build just 356 examples of the new Speedster. In Germany, the 911 Speedster is priced at €201,682 (about US$263,700), while in the UK, pricing is set at £144,100 (USD$224,700 or €171,900). US pricing has not yet been announced.

It was only a matter of time before Brabus got around to turning its attention to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The German tuner has given the Silver Arrow’s newest supercar the once over with a smattering of aesthetic additions both inside and out, as well as a few mechanical tweaks. Things get started with a carbon-fiber spoiler up front, as well as new fender vents made of the same light-weight material. A similar treatment crops up on the rear fascia, along with new titanium exhaust tips. Those tips are part of a full system that Brabus claims weighs a full 40 percent less than the stock pipes. Throw in a set of massive forged wheels (20 inches up front, 21 out back) and you’ve got the full package.

Inside, Brabus will be happy to custom tailor the SLS AMG interior to each customer’s taste. A new ergonomic steering wheel comes along with stainless scuff plates with an illuminated Brabus logo, though beyond that it’s up to the buyer to decide on what type and color leather strikes their fancy. How much will all of this kit set you back? Brabus isn’t saying, but you know what they say about if you have to ask. Hit the jump to take a look at the full press blast.

At the upcoming Paris auto show, French carmaker Peugeot will debut a diesel hybrid based on its existing 3008 crossover. The company claims the 3008 HYbrid4 will return up to 62 mpg—albeit on the optimistic European economy cycle. To do so, the five-seat, Volkswagen Tiguan-sized crossover combines a turbo-diesel engine powering the front wheels with an electric motor powering the rears. It will be the only diesel hybrid production car in the world.

The engine driving the front wheels is one of Peugeot’s HDi FAP diesels, a 2.0-liter mill rated at 161 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, coupled to a six-speed automated manual transmission. The rear-mounted electric motor is rated at 27 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque, with brief peaks of 37 hp and 147 lb-ft available; a nickel-metal hydride battery feeds the motor and is recharged by the gas engine. The HYbrid4 also has a stop-start feature and a seven-inch LCD screen allowing the driver to monitor the system’s performance and efficiency.

A knob located in the center console allows the driver to choose from four operating modes. In auto, the car’s computer decides how best to employ the diesel engine and electric motor. In ZEV (zero-emissions vehicle) mode the Peugeot runs primarily in electric mode, firing up the diesel only if more acceleration is needed. Four-wheel-drive mode uses both locomotion sources for additional traction, and Sport mode combines them for maximum acceleration, with a peak combined output of around 200 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque.

Peugeot will begin building the efficient crossover in France later this year and it should hit European dealerships in the spring of 2011. (The company hasn’t sold cars in the U.S. since 1991, so don’t get your hopes up for one on our shores.)

Prices for the current, non-hybrid 3008 run from about €21,000 to €33,000 depending on options, or $27K–$42K in our currency. Key features on the 3008 HYbrid4 will include a panoramic sunroof, electronic parking brake, LED running lights, head-up display, navigation, and Bluetooth. Figure on a price deep into $40K-equivalent territory with the addition of all the hybrid tech.

It will still be a while before you can get up, close and personal with the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, but thanks to some revealing spy shots, a leaked brochure and now, a flurry of official photos that hit the web, there’s nothing left to show but the press release.

The new Mercedes CLS, previewed by the German carmaker’s Shooting Break Concept shown earlier this year, is more of an evolution of the current model than a completely new take on the four-door sports saloon theme.

Set to have its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September, the new CLS will be offered with a variety of new powertrains including the freshly released 3.5 liter V6 producing 306HP and 4.7-liter bi-turbocharged V8 with 429HP.

The lineup will also include diesel options (depending on the market) while the range will top out with an AMG version powered by Merc’s new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 making at least 536-ponies.

The 2011 CLS will be a direct rival for the all-new Audi A7 Sportback, Porsche Panamera, Maserati Quattroporte and in the very near future, for BMW’s Gran Coupe sports sedan also.