Improvements over time

  rakudo-2011.07
  + 6model-based NQP (2011.08)
  + 6model-based regex engine (2011.08)
  + improved iteration support (2011.08)
  + better type inferencing
  + inlined functions
  + native type support
  rakudo-2012.01
  
  

Results (seconds):

              2011.01  2011.07  2012.01 

while 0..^N    23.04    14.43     2.24  
for 0..^N      34.93    26.90     1.43  
startup         0.62     0.59     0.12