I think a lot will depend on what the new model really is - a COMPLETE redesign, or is it modifying the existing design (again)? That's one of the biggest issues with speculation at this point...
The $2500 entry point SEEMS to be critical. Regardless of what the machine is worth as "parts", it's still an investment for companies and individuals at that price point. Then consider a monitor and even basic "upgrades" and you're easily looking at over $3000-$4000 for a newly configured workstation. With constantly tightening budgets, I don't see a new model being successful at a higher entry point, but maybe that's part of the overall strategy as well? It's hard to tell, right now it's just a guessing game.