I remember an article about this some time ago. The radiator outlet was modded with the split opening to allow the dish for the "ray beam" to extend. Perhaps the front clip is a another unit rather than the factory supplied piece or the prop people just thought they needed to "clean up" the front end for less visual clutter.
My FAV press car suggestion was based upon something I read years ago but then it might have been in an article by Wally so that would explain a lot!