The difference is a Pre-Production Sample vs. a full-rate production unit. Its pretty standard practice in Asian manufacturing, since there are so many contract (vs. in-house) manufacturing operations. That first version is likely made/assembled by a senior or specialty worker that is highly skilled, but to ramp up production they have to build a production plan (i.e. steps to build) for the rest of the workers to build the same model. As they build that plan, there may be steps that are difficult or decorations that they too much time to build, so they have to "value engineer" the product to build it cost effectively. Again, all standard stuff in manufacturing businesses.
So what you see on the site, and the pics so far is likely that pre-production sample. The next version KW is talking about is the Low-Rate Initial Production version or the Full Rate Production version depending on their processes.
in terms of the constantly changing deadline, from my experience this is just part of doing business in China -- no factory will ever tell you "no" on a deadline. They realize a "no" may cause you to change factories or take other actions against them, so its always "yes". You just kind of have to hope that KW has a good sense of his supplier and isn't wildly over estimating their ability to deliver on schedule. And again having worked with contract manufacturers, I've learned your better off waiting than rushing them -- rushed products = faulty products.