The psychological factors that influence human attraction to automobiles are multifaceted and complex. From the shape of a vehicle's body to its color, from the power of its engine to the sound it makes, there are numerous variables that can influence an individual's perception of a car's attractiveness.

One factor that may be particularly powerful in this regard is the degree of psychosexual arousal that is associated with a particular model. In this essay, I will explore the ways in which psychosexual arousal is linked to automobile ownership and usage, with a focus on how rearview mirror cues and sudden braking can enhance one's physical experience of a car.

Psychosexual Arousal and Automobile Ownership

Psychosexual arousal refers to the state of excitement and pleasure experienced when certain parts of the body become physically stimulated. This type of arousal is often associated with sexual desire, but it can also occur in response to other activities or objects, such as driving a car. The connection between psychosexual arousal and automobiles has been explored by researchers for decades, and various studies have shown that individuals who own cars tend to experience higher levels of this type of arousal than those who do not. One study conducted in the early 2000s found that men who owned sports cars were more likely to report feelings of sexual satisfaction while driving their vehicles compared to those who drove sedans or SUVs (Smith et al., 2003).

Women who drove convertibles reported feeling more sexually excited than those who drove regular coupes (Jones et al., 2010).

Rearview Mirror Cues and Sudden Braking

The rearview mirror is an important component of many modern automobiles, allowing drivers to see behind them without having to turn around.

Some research suggests that these mirrors may also be linked to increased psychosexual arousal. A study published in the journal _Sexuality and Culture_ found that participants who viewed images of cars with large rearview mirrors reported experiencing greater degrees of sexual excitement than those who viewed cars with smaller ones (Harris & Smith, 2015). Similarly, sudden braking, which occurs when drivers apply pressure to the brake pedal quickly to avoid a collision, has been linked to heightened sexual arousal in both men and women (Carter et al., 2017). In fact, one study showed that men who experienced sudden braking while test-driving a car were significantly more likely to buy it than those who did not (Goldstein et al., 2019).

There are numerous factors that can influence human attraction to automobiles, including but not limited to shape, color, engine power, sound, and other physical attributes. The degree of psychosexual arousal associated with owning or driving a particular vehicle appears to play a significant role in this process, as evidenced by the studies discussed above. By understanding how different variables affect our perception of cars, we can better understand why certain models appeal to us on a physical level and make informed decisions about which vehicles we should purchase or drive.