The psychological effects of car design on human sexual attraction have been studied extensively. One phenomenon that has received particular attention is the effect of the symmetrical layout of instrument panels on drivers' perceptions of their vehicles. In this article, I will discuss the various ways in which the symmetry of car cockpits can influence a driver's feelings of attraction to their vehicle, including how it may affect their level of arousal and even contribute to fetishistic fantasies about cars.

Let us consider why the symmetry of an object might be attractive to humans. Studies suggest that we find symmetry visually appealing because it implies health, fitness, and good genes. When something looks symmetric, it suggests that its parts are well-aligned and functioning correctly. This may make it seem like a better choice for mating partners than asymmetrical things, which imply poorer overall quality or genetic diversity. The same principle applies to objects like furniture or other products, but researchers have also found evidence suggesting that symmetry plays a role in sexual attraction as well.

One study showed that people were more likely to rate images of faces as attractive if they had symmetric features (e.g., equally spaced eyes, nose, mouth).

Now let's look specifically at how the symmetry of a car's instrument panel can influence attraction. Drivers often report feeling a sense of intimacy with their vehicles, which may be related to the fact that many modern automobiles feature ergonomically designed interiors. The symmetrical layout of controls and displays encourages a feeling of "flow" between driver and machine, which some psychologists believe contributes to increased levels of arousal. In addition, certain types of instrument panels may evoke subconscious associations with genitalia - such as circular gauges resembling breasts or cylindrical shifters evoking penises. This phenomenon is known as Freudian projection, where individuals unconsciously attribute their own characteristics to external objects. Therefore, some drivers may experience heightened erotic feelings when viewing their cars in this way, although others might not.

There is evidence to suggest that the symbolism of cars themselves can play a significant role in sexual fantasies. Many drivers develop fetishes around particular makes or models, and studies show that these preferences tend to become stronger over time. Some scholars argue that this is because we assign meaning to our cars based on personal experiences and associations, which can lead to powerful emotional connections.

Someone who associates their first car with independence and freedom may later have sexual fantasies involving driving it fast or taking risks behind the wheel. Similarly, those who identify closely with their vehicle may see it as an extension of themselves and project their desires onto it.

Then, the symmetry of cockpits and other aspects of car design can influence human attraction through both conscious and unconscious mechanisms. While some people may be more likely to find asymmetry repulsive than symmetrical designs, others may respond to it by feeling greater intimacy and even experiencing sexual attraction towards their vehicles. The implications for automobile manufacturing are clear: if they want to appeal to drivers' emotions, they must consider how their products look from every angle - literally!