Worthy,

My best guess is that the differences you posted are the minimum difference. I think it is quite likely that they are barely making a profit on the hybrids and making a nice profit on the top model gas only versions.

I doubt anyone is forecasting a stripped down Camry Hybrid for $20k. I think there would be (huge) demand for it (and a super cheap Corolla, Civic, Scion, etc.). I just don't think they could make a profit, or they would have done it.

So maybe the $6k in the original article is right, or close. I would guess Toyota's system costs more to implement than Honda's, and that may explain why you can buy a Honda hybrid for $22k, and the typical Prius costs at least a couple grand more.