The plastic engine top cover?
 

I know, they're all the rage these days, and they hide those nasty machine parts under the hood, in case someone accidentally has to look at them.

But do those plastic top covers actually DO anything? Streamline the cooling air flow? Reduce the noise going up through the hood? Prevent pixie dust from melting on the engine block?

Just curious to know if this is very subtle engineering, or lipstick on the pig.

Probably reduce noise/ vibrations. If you take it off, there is a pretty significant amount of padding on the underside.

Underside? You mean, I would have been allowed to invert an Audi engine component?(G)

It's actually the roof of the future mouse nest.

My mice prefer the penthouse (hood liner).

Anyone know where to get the little lock snaps for that cover? I've looked around a bit but can't seem to find any OEM ones. Dealer probably has them but I don't have a trip out there planned any time soon.

I never thought to even look at that side. Not industrial strength Velcro, huh?

Can't all that be replaced with carbon?

I think they actually might help keep crud away from some of the stuff under them that don't respond well to crud

My prior car, 06 Lexus IS350, had covers over damn near the entire under hood area.