the current newton version already has great features...
the main feature of 2.0 will be a new linear solver which should be at least as fast as the other popular physics engines. the old exact solver of the current version will still be around if you need it.
the linear solver will be very stable too (no explosions or jittering) just a bit more spongy (slower resolution of penetrations since it will get done over several frames instead of one frame) but every linear solver is spongy (also physx and bullet).
it also got reworked to support and scale well with multicore cpus and later stuff like CUDA.
additionally there will be refinements of current features like the vehicle joint and character controller. they will become easier to use. a physics based character animation system is planned too.
