Hot V8?

Just took my 1996 V8 ES auto out on the lanes for the first time. Thouroughly enjoyde the experience of off-roading in luxury but am a little concerned; the switch panel behind the gear selector and handbrake was getting extremely warm/hot. The engine temp gauge stayed roughly half way through the gauge for the entire 2hr duration, all levels (coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid) are correct and fluids are clean.

Is this normal for a V8 auto? Isn't there supposed to be an auto box fluid cooler somewhere? Am I worrying for no good reason? The car ran fine (bloody well infact, considering it's never been offroad before I bought it, and its on pirelli scorpions!!!) and I have no such problems on road.

All thoughts/info greatly appreciated.

Chris

I would say dont worry my 300 tdi gets hot there off road, its probably just the extra heat coming off the gearbox as you are going slower and heat not dissapating very quickly on road the cold air cools the box down more,the gearbox does have a cooler its at the front with the raidiator and its also got an overheat sensor on it so i shold not worry all the best tiga.

Cheers tiga, just a little worried 'cos my 90 doesn't heat up like that. No worries though, thanks for the tip.

Chris