going off of the design, I'd say it's called a 'push to open sliding cupholder'

Speaking of stuff in the way, I notice where they put the electric mirror control, when I'm shifting (6 speed model) sometimes I hit it and move my mirror on accident, I was considering either moving it to the console next to the shifter beneath the cig. lighter, or replacing the switch type to one with a center neutral switch so you can move it all you want and nothing happens until you click either left or right (I am thinking of stealing one from a bimmer in the junkyard, I always liked their switches

As a side note, did you JUSt start your slk or something because to me, it looks like you have way to many lights on the dash telling you to check things! I hope it's just that you started it and took the picture right away

-Chris