I am not trying to be negative. Just not overly optimistic.
If I am asked to configure before the end of the year, and don't end up getting the car until July 2016 or later, I will be very disappointed and feel misled (I am Prod #16,448).
The main reason for the disappointment will be that I could have replaced my gas guzzling SUV with something much more efficient two years ago. I understand delays can happen and somethings are out of the manufacturer's control and we all want the vehicle to be great...but starting a couple months ago, I started to get a sense that Tesla knew there were some additional problems and delays which they are not telling the res holders.
It seems to me that the following is likely based on hearsay and circumstantial evidence (I have no direct knowledge that this is the case).
1) Some design changes have been made recently that still need to be worked out (eg. electric vs hydraulic door actuators)
2) Supplier issues will hinder production
3) Reaction to some of the design features and price point from some Sig res holders and many Prod res holders has given Tesla pause and they are considering pushing future versions (price point and seat options) to come out sooner requiring more design/tooling. This combined with a possibly terrible range as well as heat problems while towing will result in significant delays between Signature and Production deliveries.
In my non-optimistic mind, the following seems very possible.
100 or less sigs delivered in 2015
Sigs finish deliveries in Feb/Mar
Another pause (except perhaps for fully loaded models)
New price options as well as configurations and updates to problems with Sigs on the road
Slow ramp up of production changed configs
Productions res deliveries start in late may to qualify for "Early 2016" timeline
Res numbers over 10K in the fall/winter 2016
If this turns out to be the case and Tesla just does not want to let me know. I understand they need to do what they need to do, I may do the same thing in their position. But I need to do what I need to do also.
Just trying to figure out if they ask me to configure, will I believe their timeline, and will I be OK if it slips. And so trying to gauge if I am alone or others feel the same way.
-T