The likely release date is early 2008, although it is possible that it will be released in December 2007 (box set around xmas with codex around late January seems most probable).
The new codex will follow the same style as Codex: Dark Angels, meaning that all the wargear options will appear within the unit entries instead of in a separate Wargear section (this seems a fairly safe prediction).
It is unclear how the Ork clans will be handled, but it is possible that there will be scope for some customising the army list to field a specific clan.
Orks will be much more competitive (it's not clear exactly how). However, while they will be improved, Ork mobs will be very reliant on numbers and characters, and will run away very easily if on their own and in small numbers. Basic Orks may become cheaper. There may be changes to the rules for the choppa and Power of da Waaagh, possibly replacing one or both with Furious Charge (these rumours are highly speculative).
All Ork vehicles will be a bit more effective in order to make them a bit more popular.
The designers want to include some 2nd Edition Orkyness, including Shokk Attack Gunz, Mad Boyz and Freebooterz[/b]
