I already mentioned that with the D600 Nikon will release a new range of “cheaper” FX lenses. The first lens in that category will be the Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 VR. There is already an existing patent for a 24-70mm f/3.5-4.5 lens and one of the calculations is exactly for a 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 version. Expect the announcement of this lens in the next 30 days, maybe even earlier.
[NR] probability rating: 90%.
For comparison, this is the design of the current Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 (15 elements in 11 groups, 3 ED elements, 3 aspherical lenses, one Nano Crystal Coat):
