I heard back from Ryo at TCB. Looks like they have a model in mind and are aiming for the summer!
Relevant email bits from Ryo:
Also many thanks for your suggestions! I will discuss it with Hajime but we actually have some new model in mind to do a fade contest with in our mind, which many vintage jeans lovers would love for sure.
We aim to release it in this summer...The release date might be delayed or get earlier but we would like to hold a fade contest for sure with the new model!
Sorry to potentially cut any discussion in this thread short, but I'm also hopeful the new model will be roomy!