OK, I know the GPOs on the smaller units are rated for lower current, but you could switch transistors with them and still drive fans. Is the software written to assume you have a four row display?
Absolutely. You could start your car with them if you had the proper external circuitry. It can handle a quite small relay (consult manual) or a really big MOSFET. You could hook up a MOSFET capable of easily driving 30 amps, and control it directly from the GPO.