Hi guys.

I've noticed that some rear mid engined cars have hood scoops and vents on the front hood. Why do that if there is nothing in there to cool? Is it mostly cosmetic? Seems to me the radiator is too much in the front of the car for the hood vents to really channel out any hot air. Besides, when I had my MR2, it never got hot in the front compartment. That's what the side air scoops and vented engine lid is for. Any insight? I understand vented hood scoops on our cars for instance but not rear engine cars.

 

A car with the engine "in the back" still has its radiator in the front. Air that goes through the rad has to go someplace. One way is to have it exit out a hood vent. Not all such cars direct their hot rad air in this manner, but this is one way.