This article is about the effect of cars' anthropomorphism on people's sexuality and erotic feelings. It explores how drivers can turn their vehicles into romantic partners, leading to heightened sensations during driving and afterward. The term "anthropomorphic" refers to assigning human traits to nonhuman entities, such as animals or machines. When applied to automobiles, this process involves giving them emotions, thoughts, and personalities. Cars can be anthropomorphized through customization, naming, and personification, making them more appealing and attractive to some drivers. This paper will discuss how such anthropomorphism affects people psychologically and why it may lead to sexual attraction towards cars.

Anthropomorphism creates an emotional connection between humans and cars that goes beyond mere ownership. Drivers who see their cars as extensions of themselves experience increased arousal when behind the wheel because they feel like they are part of something greater than just metal and plastic. Some studies suggest that drivers anthropomorphize their cars subconsciously, which leads to stronger bonding and attachment.

One study found that drivers with highly anthropomorphic cars were more likely to buy additional accessories for them than those without such a relationship. Another study showed that drivers anthropomorphizing their cars felt more affection towards them than drivers without such relationships.

Anthropomorphism can create intimacy between humans and cars. When drivers consider their cars as friends or lovers, they may fantasize about them in sexual ways. Such fetishes have been called "mechanophilia," where individuals derive pleasure from objects rather than people. In a survey conducted by Jalopnik, 21% of respondents admitted to having sex with their vehicles, while 79% said they had thought about it. Other studies suggest that mechanophilia is prevalent among men due to cultural norms that value masculinity over emotionally expressive behavior.

Women also report experiencing mechanical desire, especially when it comes to luxury cars.

Anthropomorphism can also lead to confusion regarding sexuality and gender roles. Cars can be both male and female, depending on how they are modified, painted, or named. This ambiguity creates uncertainty in drivers' minds, leading to curiosity and exploration of new sexual experiences.

Some drivers use sexualized names for their cars, such as "sexy beast" or "hot rod." Others customize them with erotic features like leather seats or body kits. The blurring of gender boundaries can also cause conflict within romantic partnerships if one partner has a car fetish.

Anthropomorphism affects drivers psychologically through increased arousal, intimacy, and identity formation. It allows them to feel more connected to their cars and see them as extensions of themselves, which can lead to sexual attraction and confusion regarding sexuality and gender. While this phenomenon may seem unusual to outsiders, it is relatively common among automobile enthusiasts who take pride in personalizing and modifying their rides.