Car technology is progressing at a frightening pace. Self-driving cars are in the near future. Smart phone sync technology is becoming standard in new models. Some cars can even measure the driver’s heart rate and turn off driver distractions.

Most of this new technology is pretty amazing, but occasionally, a new car gadget or gizmo is more confusing than cool.

Researchers at the Keio University in Japan will be at the 2012 Digital Content Expo in Tokyo to show off an “invisible” Prius. The backseat of the Prius is covered with retroreflective materials, jokingly referred to as the “invisibility cloak” from the Harry Potter series. The material allows the driver to see through the backseat, and theoretically drivers will have less trouble parallel parking or driving in reverse. Masahiko Inami, a professor at Keio University’s School of Media Design, described the experience as “driving a glass car” and was confident that the technology would be widely used in the future.

I still have no idea what to think about the “invisible” Prius. While I hate parallel parking just as much as the next driver, I feel like the experience of driving a “glass car” would make parking tougher. Is the driver’s depth perception affected in any way? How is the “invisible” backseat an improvement on the rear-view cameras that are already available? So far, I think the “invisible” Prius is fun to show off at a technology expo, but I am not convinced that drivers will want it or manufacturers will want to pay for it.

Readers, we want to hear what you think! Do you like the “invisible” Prius? Would you want to see through your backseat? Leave a comment below, and tell us what you think!

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