Ok - this is strange. I removed my console because I wanted to get those silver trim things redone, so basically I've been driving my car where everything is off and you can see the bare metal recessed area that the cupholders would normally fit in.

I drove for like 45 minutes straight and put my hand there and lo and behold....not even warm. Just cold metal. What gives?

 

The miracle of ventilation.

 

i notice the same thing. i think is the outside heat some how gets absorbed in and does not escape. i have to layers of heat tape and it still gets pretty hot

 

Its those fake silver console trim pieces--they are like heat absorbers.

 

Yeah, that's the obvious answer - the thing that made me go hmmmm, was that I had my windows rolled up the whole 45 minute ride. I thought at the very least it would be kinda warm to the touch but it was cold. Oh well ...

 

that's why I'm repainting them!