This implies that there is an immediate physical distinction when new model year is launched. I thought the model year was relatively meaningless with Tesla as they continually make changes in the same model year. Am I mistaken?
November is Tesla's model year changeover but features/changes can happen any time. November is just a rule of thumb.
Over the last few years, whatever changes they are making for the NEXT model year get designated in early November, but may not make it into cars then.
Lately they are small changes. But in prior years as example, the rear casting got implemented for model year 2021, but only really started in February 21.
Currently, the only outstanding issue of import is 4680 and front castings, but that keeps getting pushed out and is highly unlikely before 2024 (after SEMI and CT).
Reason - SEMI and CT will need massive quantities of 4680's, and production is still early in the ramp up phase.
Beyond that, the internet blogs keep wishing for price reductions, but that won't happen until order backlogs are worked down, inflation abates, and suppliers are flush.
In other words, don't hold your breath.
Remember as well, software is updated continuously. And that leads the industry; no other manufacturer has that depth of expertise.
I wouldn't hold an order at this time unless my income and tax situation enabled me to take full advantage of the pending tax rebates.
Nothing substantially better in quality or performance is coming soon.