The study of human psychological responses to automobile stimuli is known as "psychocars". There have been multiple studies conducted in this field, including those involving cars' engines and engine sounds.
The most common engine response is "vroom," which elicits feelings of power and control from car owners. This effect can be attributed to the fact that many people associate the noise with high-performance vehicles. It also activates brain regions associated with reward and pleasure, creating positive associations between driving and sexual arousal. In one study, participants who were exposed to a vrooming sound while viewing images of attractive individuals experienced increased levels of testosterone compared to those who heard no sound.
Another engine response is acceleration, which is often accompanied by an increase in heart rate. Research suggests that this may be due to adrenaline released during intense driving experiences, leading to feelings of excitement and thrill.
Some studies suggest that accelerating may activate the same areas of the brain that are responsible for sexual attraction.
A study found that men showed greater activation in their ventral tegmental area (VTA) - a region involved in motivation and reward processing - when they viewed pictures of attractive women after experiencing high speeds.
Car exhaust systems have also been shown to produce erotic effects. A study found that exposure to a loud exhaust system could enhance male sexual desire, particularly in situations where there was competition among males over females. Another study demonstrated that exposure to exhaust fumes could lead to increased erectile dysfunction, indicating that it could affect libido as well. Some experts suggest that these effects may result from the association of exhaust sounds with dominance and aggression.
Road resonance refers to the feeling of physical sensations created by driving on uneven surfaces or at high speeds. This can include shaking, jostling, and movement. One study found that road resonance was associated with increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain - chemicals involved in pleasure and arousal. It's possible that this response could contribute to enhanced sex drive.
Psychocars research has provided valuable insights into the ways in which our brains respond to automobile stimuli. These responses demonstrate the complex interplay between our physical and mental states, and how they can be affected by seemingly unrelated factors such as engine noise and vibration. While further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms behind these phenomena, the field continues to offer important insights into human behavior.