I'm taking an optimistic approach to that deadline. Maybe they have a big announcement coming that they anticipate will significantly drive up reservations, so they are giving 'loyal' supporters the opportunity to get reservations/bonuses locked in before the madness starts.
Not likely, but the comments from Paul regarding his frustration over how there was so much going on 'that he couldn't share yet' got me thinking maybe there's something big coming.
Like the loan goes through quicker than anticipated and production starts in March 2015
Then Z would definitely get her 2015 model :-)