In psychology cars automotive sex sexuality automobiles arousal eroticism psychosexuality fetish fantasies attraction confusion passion, car designers have been known to incorporate features that appeal to both men and women in their vehicles. The most common example is the hood scoop, which provides ventilation for engines but also exaggerates the masculinity of the vehicle by creating an illusion of greater power and strength. Another common feature is the spoiler, which can be used to enhance aerodynamics and stability but has also become associated with aggressiveness due to its association with racecar drivers.

Designers may use lighting such as fog lamps or LED headlights to create a more sensual appearance, particularly in luxury models where this effect is desired.

Some research suggests that these features may actually have a more subtle impact on sexualized dominance perception than previously thought.

One study found that participants were more likely to perceive an SUV with a grille that resembled teeth as being dominant compared to other designs, suggesting that teeth are seen as symbols of aggression and power. In another experiment, researchers showed participants images of sports cars with varying front fascia designs and asked them to rate each model's degree of sexual dominance; they found that those with more angular designs were rated higher than others. This could mean that designers should focus less on making their cars look like animals and more on creating sleek lines that suggest speed and precision.

There are some people who find certain vehicle features arousing simply because they associate them with sex. Some fans of classic American muscle cars believe that V8 engines produce deep rumbling sounds similar to those produced during intercourse, while others enjoy the thrill of watching powerful vehicles accelerate quickly from a stop. While many experts view these fetishes as harmless, they point out that they can lead to dangerous behaviors if drivers become fixated on their own car's performance rather than paying attention to safety concerns.

It's worth noting that not everyone shares the same attraction to automobiles – for example, some women prefer smaller cars with softer edges instead of large hulking machines. As such, it's important for designers to take into account all potential audiences when crafting new designs.