Psychologists have studied how automobile design affects human perception and behavior since the early days of the auto industry. Early research focused primarily on safety features, such as seatbelts and airbags, but later studies examined how aesthetic factors like shape and color impact driver attitudes and performance. Recently, psychologists have begun investigating the role of automotive design in sexual attraction and arousal.

In one study, participants viewed pictures of various car models while undergoing fMRI scans. The results showed that exposure to specific dashboard illumination patterns activated regions of the brain associated with visual pleasure, including the VTA, amygdala, insula, and orbitofrontal cortex. These areas are also involved in other pleasurable activities such as eating, drinking, and sex. Another study found that certain colors, such as red and blue, increased heart rate and skin conductance responses, suggesting that they could be associated with sexual arousal.

These findings suggest that the design of cars can influence sexual response in humans.

It is unclear whether this effect is due to direct stimulation or to associations between color and cultural meanings.

In Western cultures, red is often associated with passion and excitement, while blue is seen as calm and serene. It may be that these associations influence the way we perceive different hues.

Not all car features are created equal when it comes to sexuality. Research has shown that some features, such as headlights and taillights, are more likely to elicit sexual attraction than others. This suggests that there may be a hierarchy of auto-eroticism, with some parts of the vehicle being more important than others for stimulating desire.

The research on automobile psychology is still in its early stages, but it holds promise for understanding how our environment impacts our sexual desires. By studying the effects of dashboard lighting and color on human perception, we can learn more about what makes us feel aroused and how best to use that knowledge to create products that appeal to consumers.