From my source at Sony:
Hi,
The current 40gb plays PS one games already. The unit does not have the
backwards compatibility for PS2 games.
We have made no announcement regarding a new version of the 40gb PS3.
I know this hasn't been the first time I have been told one thing and another happened. If I get any news, I'll let you know.
In the meantime, I am gonna quiz that associate again.