The cup holders in the RX-8 are notoriously known as cup warmers due to their proximity to the catalytic converter. Mazda issued a bulletin to add extra heat shielding but even that doesn't work.

The stock fabric insulator doesn't do a very good job so I thought I'd try something else.

ThermoTec makes an adhesive backed heat barrier that's supposed to reflect 90% of the radiant heat. In order to wrap both the front and rear cup holders you'll need about three square feet.

Step 1: Unscrew the shift knob.

Step 2: Remove the plastic piece circled in red by sliding it straight back. It's shown here partly removed.

Step 3: Insert a finger into the recess you just uncovered and lift the front console straight up. Five snaps hold it in place. If you have the nav system, you can pry that off first to give you an additional lifting point.

Step 4: Remove the rear trunk passthrough.

Step 5: Remove the two phillips screws circled in red.

Step 6: Lift the felt lining in the rear storage area and remove the two screws underneath.

Step 7: Remove the screw circled in red.

Step 8: Use a flat screwdriver to pop the aux power insert circled in green. Disconnect the aux power from its wiring and set it aside.

Step 9: Remove the screw circled in red.

Step 10: Now you're ready to remove the rear console trim. It's held in place by snaps so lift the front cup holder straight up. It should pop loose and you can remove the part.

Optional: If you want to remove the front center console trim or the ashtray, remove the four screws circled in green. Pull the ashtray straight back to release it from two snaps. You can then lift up the front console trim.

Step 11: Cut out strips of heat shielding and adhere them in place. I did the front cup holder, front storage tray, rear cup holder and rear storage tray using three square feet of insulation. Note: for the curious, the switch and lead you see in the picture are for a turbo timer. See this page for additional photos.

Step 12: Reassemble all parts in reverse order. You're done!