In psychology, cars and automobiles have been used to study various psychological phenomena such as psychosexuality, fetishes, attraction, confusion, passion, and sexuality.

The G-force is a force that acts perpendicular to an object's direction of motion, which can be experienced during intense driving maneuvers. When driving turns are taken too sharply or too fast, this can create a tension between the driver and their seatbelt, resulting in a feeling of being pinned down - similar to the way some people experience physical restraint during sex. Similarly, the sensation of accelerating quickly can simulate the pressure sensations felt when embracing someone tightly. This has led researchers to investigate whether car engines can evoke erotic arousal in drivers through sound and vibration.

According to one study, drivers who were asked to drive while listening to engine noise exhibited increased physiological arousal compared to those who listened to ambient sounds. The same effect was found for vibration, indicating that both factors may contribute to car erotica. Another study found that men reported feeling more attracted towards cars with larger engines, suggesting that the power and performance of the vehicle could be linked to masculine traits such as strength and dominance. Some even describe their relationship with their cars as romantic or sexual, leading to the term "automobilophilia".

Not all drivers experience these effects, and there is debate over how much of it is due to genuine pleasure or just social norms and expectations. In fact, some studies have shown that women are more likely than men to experience negative emotions such as anxiety and fear while driving.

The effects of car fetishism and automobile eroticism can vary based on personality type, cultural context, and personal experiences.

Individuals with higher levels of neuroticism may find car-related stimuli to be more distressing than others. Nonetheless, understanding the psychology behind car erotica can help improve safety features and design new vehicles to appeal to a wider range of drivers.