I see the Nikon Rumors website is confident that the long awaited upgrade to the non VR version of this lens is on its way.
Hooray - i've been waiting for this for 2 years and have been keeping a space in my gear bag for it. Likely to be a very good lens for us who are keen amateur sports or wildlife shooters but who either can't afford or don't like the weight of the f2.8 version.