Lee Valley was at the wood working show in Denver last weekend. They are introducing a new line of "premium" bevel down bench planes. At this stage no bevel up, including block, planes.
The new planes will have "much tighter" tolerances. Be made of an "all new" material. I guessed brass, nope, granite? nope, gimme a hint, nope. They were pretty tight lipped. I was there to buy a bevel up jack and looking at an apron plane and I suggested maybe I should wait until the new line comes out before I buy. They said no, if was looking at bevel up planes might as well buy now, the new line is only the standard bevel down bench planes.
I really couldn't get anything concrete out of them other than, new line of bench planes, tighter tolerances, new materials, higher prices. They were pretty up front about that part, the higher prices. Cripes, it's not like the present line of Veritas planes is inexpensive.
I assume new styling, maybe something a little more aesthetically pleasing, cleaner lines, more shiny parts. New materials might only mean the knob and tote. What else are you going to make the body out of, and still have all of the desirable properties of ductile cast iron.
My curiosity is piqued. I'll be taking a look next week.