Toyota LQ introduces Yui, your in-car personal assistant

As a followup to 2017's Concept-i, the Japanese automaker debuted the Toyota LQ ahead of the auto show later this month.

Unlike the Concept-i, the LQ appears far more grounded in its approach -- and it will be ready for public trials next year.

Although the LQ, a Level 4 self-driving car, looks a lot like the Concept-i, it does arrive with very, very slight tweaks. The front fascia is largely the same with headlights hidden behind the front bumper. 

Toyota says it can also project numerous different shapes onto the road ahead for drivers, passengers and pedestrians, thanks to a million little mirrors embedded inside.

The rear showcases more of a curve to the wildly styled brake lights. The same triangular pattern from the Concept-i remains as well, though the figures don't look as much like the shape of an airplane than before.

What gets toned down is the body-covered rear wheels. They're still around, but they appear far less dramatic than before.

If you need more proof this thing will start running about Japanese streets, take a look at the interior.

Unlike the Concept-i's minimalist look, the LQ has a full interior complete with a traditional steering wheel; it introduces us to our new artificial intelligence friend, Yui.

With the coming of LQ, it will likely take over duty from the Concept-i as one of many mobility options prepared for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.