Lincoln Leakage: Pics of next-gen Nautilus show up online

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One of the few good byproducts of bureaucratic networks of byzantine government agencies is the propensity for fascinating morsels of information to leak out from their seams, thanks in no small part to the left hand failing to communicate fully with the right hand. That could be the reason why pictures of the next Lincoln Nautilus have apparently surfaced on a website belonging to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

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First reported by fan site FordAuthority, photos of what appears to be the next-gen Nautilus show a crossover whose style takes much from the Star Concept vehicle which appeared earlier this year. The grille and headlight designs also bear much familial resemblance to the Lincoln Zephyr sedan recently introduced in China, as well. Some elements from the current car remain, like the front door trim that flows into the quarter panel and is supposed to remind onlookers of Rolls-style door handles.

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The leak even included photos of numerous trim levels, ranging from what seem to be Platinum-type trims heavy on the chrome; to blacked-out Midnight-style packages. Contrasting roof options were also shown, with a dark top doing much to erase the odd tapered curve of the roofline, which is very noticeable in some light colours.

An illuminated Lincoln logo shown as an optional extra places the brand in league with other luxury brands who’ve begun to embrace this, erm, expressive detail.

Even a smattering of dimension specs were part of the leak, confirming that the next Nautilus will grow in just about every dimension. In fact, the holy trinity of new model introduction – longer, lower, wider – are all in effect. Expect at least one hybrid engine to be offered as an option, plus a four-banger EcoBoost gasser.

While there’s considerable debate about whether the next Ford Edge and Nautilus will even be sold in North America, it is all but guaranteed they’ll appear in Asian markets. A quick perusal of Lincoln’s consumer website in China reveals vehicles with trim levels such as California Coast and Alaska Glacier, reconfirming the fact that Western brands infuse their wares with huge amounts of ‘Murica whilst introducing them to the Pacific Rim.