The 'huge vents' are a styling exercise, prolly to emulate big brake ducts (that aren't and don't need to be there). As for the gloss black grill, the 2015s had it too and is becoming the standard Audi fare.
Lastly as for Distribution Hold, I'd still count on about the 3rd week of this month, there are STILL about 100 2015s coming between now and then ... My local dealer has about 4 now and at least that many on the way.