I worry when the programmers tell me "Lots of compatibility"
I mean a lot.
In terms of a test bed: Realize that in 2015 the controller will have a different foot print. Digital car will be gone. PD board will be different. Pneumatic controller will be different.
Totally uniformed opinion on my part, but I am thinking the hardware will not be available until the 2015 kick off... You should not let that stop you from making a test bed today. You have a lot of development time between now & then,.