The word psychosexual has been used to refer to the relationship between the mind and sexual behavior since Freud's time. It refers to the way that sexual feelings can be triggered by various stimuli, including mental images, visual impressions, sounds, smells, tastes, touch, etc. This relationship is based on the fact that the brain registers all sensations simultaneously, creating associations between them.

When someone sees a car, they may associate it with power, freedom, speed, luxury, comfort, or sexiness. The sight of a powerful engine and muscular body of a sports car could also create erotic arousal. Psychosexual cars are those which have physical traits associated with human anatomy, such as breasts, lips, buttocks, hips, thighs, vaginas, penises, testicles, etc. They represent objects for sexual fantasies, fetishes, or even fetishistic attractions.

Cars are not just objects of desire, but symbols of potency and control, and this creates a special kind of attraction in some people. Men are more likely than women to become aroused by automobiles due to their association with strength, masculinity, and virility.

There are many examples of female drivers who enjoy the thrill of driving fast and powerful cars. Some men find themselves attracted to certain types of cars because of how they look or feel, while others are drawn to specific makes or models. Others still enjoy playing with gadgets, modifying engines, or customizing cars according to their own preferences.

Psychosexual arousal can occur when two people share a passionate moment inside a car or around one. It is possible to be aroused by the sound of a motor purring or revving up, the smell of leather seats or new tires, the feeling of acceleration on smooth roads, or simply by being in close proximity to someone else. This may lead to feelings of intimacy, excitement, and pleasure that go beyond simple physical contact. The psychosexual nature of automotive sex is often used in movies and TV shows where characters get very excited by the sight of an exotic vehicle or racing against time to reach their destination.