I can't prove it, but the sequence of events, how those number were quoted and when, makes me think that is the case. That over 65k was required to get $7300 and $6800 was still possible somewhere nearer to the 240k units.Essentially, that is what I am suggesting. They have "all the machinery" at the factory, but by starting at a lower rate they only need one set of dies for the steel stamping machines, one assembly line, one shift crew, etc. All the prerequisite engineering would need to be complete, so I doubt that 65,000 scales evenly with 240,000 (so, it would certainly need more than a scale-value of $72.9 million).
I guess the other half of my thoughts came from the "$7300" price lock. Folks here are assuming that after 65,000 the price will go up...but what if it doesn't? What if the goal of $6800 is still possible at full capacity (240k), but they had to raise the price up to $7300 in order to remain profitable while starting at a lower capacity?
But given the move to $7000 for commits I'd say the glass wall has been broken and $6800 will not likely come back.
Best hope for post 65k reservations is getting $7000 in extension of the special deal.