Interesting. I have heard similar and I think many dealers may feel pressured to sell what's built and allocated. I think the carbon shortage announced a month ago or so probably kept the price high.
I was working hard to try and build a Quad with tan interior until I found it was black only. But the brochure lists red, ice and black/dark gray trim inserts. Ice with white and green stitching. I want red trim with red stitching. I may be ordering as early as next month but will be better off with an 8 month plus delivery date. I want to build my car exactly how I want it. No carbon seats or brakes plus other details. If I get any resistance, I will walk away. I made peace with gray alcantara and can live with that because in many cases it's lighter than leather but that's not always true. Alcantara can be made in tan too so it's not impossible. What I really fear is a coupe showing up in the next year or two. If it does I will trade my sedan in and get one.
Just got a bundled insurance quote for a Quad with my Miata and condo homeowners through Travelers. Not bad and less additional per month than the stupid interest I was paying on one of my old cards I'm consolidating. Will have it out of the way in time to finance. The Miata only costs me like 30-100 bucks on it's own!