How to remove A4 shifter?

If you remove the dark grey cushion that you see in the picture, you will see four studs(?), one at each corner of the shifter holding it to the frame. Can't figure out how to remove them (if they are meant to be removed).
Basically, I'm want to remove the whole thing; the thing being what you see in the picture which is bolted(?) to the frame and connected to the transmission itself under the car.
Here is another pic. Should look like this when I'm done.

If you remove the dark grey cushion that you see in the picture, you will see four studs(?), one at each corner of the shifter holding it to the frame. Can't figure out how to remove them (if they are meant to be removed).
Basically, I'm want to remove the whole thing; the thing being what you see in the picture which is bolted(?) to the frame and connected to the transmission itself under the car.
Here is another pic. Should look like this when I'm done.
