Sorry for the late response. It is gas, it is a performer head. I am not sure, but I think it must be similar in inside design to other Kettles mounted to a stand...Yes the hood is vented down by the lip. I will try to take better pics in the light.
The story is, this guy received it as a house warming gift. His buddie's dad was retired from Weber and it was stored in his Dad's garage. So he instead of buying a gift, he gave this grill to him.
Help me other Kettle gassers, but the gas head goes up for direct heat and below a pan for indirect heat.
Are yours the same?