That new P4 model is gorgeous. As for the Command Tank, it's a bit more accurate than the old model was. Despite being called a J for OKW, the new model is like a late-G or H (missing schurzen).
It's a placebo. You are used to seeing this model as the OKW Panzer IV, the one with worse accuracy than a T-34/76, weaker Machine Guns, and less armour. Now you're seeing this model used on the WM Panzer IV which is the strongest stock medium tank, and it's throwing you off.
Another thing is the old model was oddly proportioned which lead it to being ever so slightly larger than the current model. So seeing the 'slimmer' model doing that much damage could also cause confusion.
TL;DR No, the Panzer IV has the same stats as before.
The North Africa theater was closed by CoH2's timeline though, and how could you do Italy when their tanks were such crap? People hate the USF for having a solid medium but no heavy, now imagine one where you have the worst medium and still no heavy.
Well I know something about panzers me too. I dont' know for sure if a model i existed, but clearly it's not a "G" late or no late model, nor an "H" because of the reasons you point it out. The gun cache (top) it's same as ausf j model, but the turret seems to be a little different. So it's not a J model either. So, if it's not an i (??) model, I don't know what it is... Maybe Pz IV ausf. RELIC. A new Panzer IV type.
A Model I did not exist, I can assure you of that. The turret is 100% identical to the OKW version; they are the same exact model, just different units. Imo a late Model G is the closest match for a Panzer IV with the L/48 gun but no standard Schurzen.
As far as the Model J goes, the Panzer IV is technically all wrong. Off the top of my head a Model Jshould lack the view ports on the side and turret, have 3 return rollers, and simplified exhaust (See Ostwind / Sturmpanzer)
I get the feeling that they will introduce vCOH HD-versions of US and Wehr this year. If you think of it it would make sense - most units that have appeared in COH2 that also were in vCOH work differently - like the Greyhound, Puma, Rifles etc. Some units haven´t showed - like Nebelwerfer (who doesn´t love it?), Bike, Rangers, Pershing etc.
The problem with that is game mechanics are also very different. MG's aren't the be-all end-all of Infantry AI, economy is completely different, Tanks do full damage, etc.