Purchased the 80GB Core PS3 unit this evening at local Best Buy.
Here's what I've confirmed:
Model number is CECHK01, which has not been updated on Sony's official list of PS3 models yet. According to the manual, power consumption is rated at a max of 280 watts, same as the 40GB model.
However, I ran the 80GB Core unit into a Kill-a-watt and confirmed that the power draw is SLIGHTLY lower (10%) than the 40GB unit.