As an engineer, you know what really irks me; it’s not fake vents. The apparent knowledge gaps of automotive journalists certainly do though. This issue has really come into its own since the introduction of one Japanese sports car. Just a search for “fake vents” alone will direct you to that very car.
Vents are historically necessary for 2 reasons; airflow to a part which needs cooled/ and airflow to the engine intake.
Airflow to Intake: Colder intake temperatures increase engine efficiencies. Intakes pulling air from the hood gather cold air. Cold air intakes increase naturally-aspirated efficiencies.
Airflow for Cooling: Historically, equipment overheated quickly, particularly brake fluid, coolant, and oil. Vents provide the cooling air necessary.
But times have changed. Turbos and the subsequent intercoolers invalidate the need for cold air in the intake. Brake fluid, coolant, and oil have all been designed to withstand increased temperatures as well…but things get worse for the vent lovers. Common new age brake fluids and pads actually work better at higher temperatures and turbo engines run at temperatures up above 105 degrees C (221 degrees F).
Vents aren’t all they are cracked up to be either. Most beloved vent locations increase fuel economy and engine wear while reducing power efficiency. So if true vents harm most cars, the other option is no vents. I seem to recall many people bemoaning the designs of newer electric cars that do just that. If you want the look, that’s fine, but just know, the loss of real vents is an engineering choice of auto companies, not an accounting one.
P.S. I completely understand how and why vents are necessary in a race setting, but if you are racing, nothing a car company can do on a mass produced car will meet your requirements, but you already know that.