I don't think that lower panel is is any different on the 05-10 cars. I just had mine off, there's a thin metal plate behind it up to the steering column.
It's kind of a pain to pull actually. The front cover over the cluster just pulls out, two 7mm bolts on the bottom, trim that runs up the face of the radio edge should be pulled or you will fight it, maybe breaking that tab. The only way I could see pulling the trim along side your right leg was to pull the center console off. I only popped the front of the console up but it wasn't enough room, it really should have been slide back slightly. Think of that lower panel being the first piece on and then everything inter locking over it.
Sorry a bit wordy but not sure how else to explain.
There is a tab about where my finger is that prevents it from playing nice. I thought it would be simple to pull and gain access while wiring gauges and stuff up. Was not the case.
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