Lincoln's next-gen Nautilus for China breaks cover

Photos of a next-generation Lincoln Nautilus for China appear to have leaked ahead of the crossover's debut there.

Images posted by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information show the exterior of the crossover with new styling that more closely mirrors the China-only Zephyr sedan, according to the website Ford Authority. Most notably, the Nautilus features a chrome strip across the grille, a similar design cue found on the Zephyr.

The vehicle is also expected to be slightly longer, wider and taller than the current version, according to Ford Authority, which cites specs posted by the Ministry of Industry and Information. The specs say the vehicle will feature a 2.0-liter I4 EcoBoost engine, while Ford Authority also says it's expected to include a hybrid variant.

A Lincoln spokeswoman declined to comment on the report.

"The Lincoln Nautilus plays an important role in Lincoln's global portfolio, but we are not going to speculate on future product plans," the spokeswoman said.

Lincoln has not publicly said when a next-generation Nautilus would launch in China.

The Nautilus sold in North America is built at Ford's Oakville Assembly Plant in Canada, although the automaker is expected to end production of both the Nautilus and Ford Edge by the end of next year as it retools the site to build EVs.