The car is a powerful symbol of sexuality, and its design can influence our perceptions of gender, power, dominance, and agency. The way cars move through space also has implications for how they are perceived. Some people find automotive motion to be highly arousing, while others view it as a source of anxiety or fear. For many drivers, the experience of being behind the wheel evokes strong emotions that may be difficult to articulate. In this article, we will explore some psychological factors that contribute to our attraction to automobiles, including psychosexuality, fetishization, and the role of technology in creating new forms of automobile-related fantasies. We will also examine the challenges and opportunities presented by the emergence of self-driving cars and other innovations in the automotive industry.

We will consider whether there are any specific ways in which technology could enhance our relationship to automobiles and make them more erotic and intimate.

Automobiles have long been associated with masculinity, power, and freedom. This association is evident in popular culture, where cars often play starring roles in films and television shows about rebellion, adventure, and romance. Automobiles are also seen as symbols of status and wealth, with luxury brands such as Rolls Royce, Ferrari, and Lamborghini conveying messages of opulence and exclusivity. Cars are also linked to notions of independence and autonomy, suggesting that driving represents a departure from traditional social norms and constraints. These associations are reflected in our language, with terms like "wheels" and "hot rod" suggesting a connection between cars and sexual desire.

Fetishes are objects or activities that become overly important to an individual's sexual satisfaction. Fetishism is commonly associated with clothing, but it can also extend to vehicles. Some people find cars themselves to be arousing, while others derive pleasure from their design elements (such as wheels or exhaust pipes). The fetishization of automobiles can be traced back to the early days of car manufacturing, when they were seen as revolutionary technologies that challenged traditional gender roles and offered new possibilities for mobility and autonomy.

The 1920s saw the rise of the "flapper girl," who was defined by her independence and her love of speed. The flapper's embrace of cars and other modern technologies represented a break from traditional feminine values, which emphasized domesticity and subservience.

Self-driving cars have the potential to upend many of these cultural associations. By removing humans from the driver's seat, they challenge traditional ideas about masculinity, power, and control. They may also open up new opportunities for erotic experience, allowing drivers to engage in activities such as flirting or intimacy without having to worry about traffic laws or safety concerns. Self-driving cars could also create new forms of fantasy, where passengers are no longer constrained by the rules of the road. These fantasies may involve more risky behavior, such as racing or chases, or they may focus on the sensory experience of being transported through space at high speeds.