It's never been much of a secret that men react to the throaty roar of a sports car, but new research indicates that women become physically aroused by the sound of a Maserati's revving engine.
The study by luxury motor insurers Hiscox, found that the roar of a Maserati turned women’s heads the most when presented with a recording of various super-car engines roaring away.
After 20 minutes their response was measured by the levels of the hormone testosterone secreted in their saliva, while the participants were also quizzed on their feelings.
Although the study did not specify models, it found that 100 per cent of the 20 women tested showed a signification increase in testosterone secretion, despite over half insisting they had no interest in cars, and a 100 per cent decrease in testosterone when played a recording of a Volkswagen Polo.
Around half of the 20 men tested reaction the same way to the engine note of the Maserati and a Lamborghini model.
David Moxon, the psychologist who conducted the study said: “We saw significant peaks in the amount of testosterone in the body, particularly in women. Testosterone is indicative of positive arousal in the human body so we can confidently conclude from the results out today that the roar of a luxury car engine actually does cause a primeval physiological response."
Hiscox says the study 'proves' primal instinct still rules the basic physiology of the human state of arousal in the 21st century.