This is the first in our new series of IRC chats where you can ask you questions about the upcoming versions of Joomla. Of note in the next version is template parameters! and the aiblity to use patTemplate elements in templates. Also on the templating side is the ability to override many of the core rendering files (even content.html.php!).
The meeting is going to be on the FreeNode Network, #joomla IRC channel at 22:00 GMT Thursday, 16-March.