> according to Maureen Lyman at Freescale the processor isn't even
> considered a production item yet (they have none in stock and none
> to sample).

Interesting, as the CPU is considered "active" there.

> I'm beginning to doubt that Freescale really does intend to build
> an e700 core.

Really just beginning? Look here.

> what have we got to look forward to in terms of Power PC processor
> advancements? Well there is always the long rumored IBM Power6
> architecture.

No need to look forward to that, as it got released in June 2007(!) already. Maybe you meant POWER7, announced to be released in 2010.