Daily Auto Brief: When the GT4 Charms and the Cybertruck Adds a Seat

Two enthusiast headlines, one lesson: the car doesn’t care what day it is, and neither does the law. Meanwhile, if the factory won’t build it, some owners will. This week, a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 driver discovered that Canadian speed enforcement won’t soften for birthdays, and a determined dad turned his five-seat Tesla Cybertruck into the six-seater Tesla never sold. Both stories land squarely in the sweet spot of modern car culture—passion, consequences, and a bit of DIY bravado.

Birthday or Not, the GT4 Doesn’t Do Mercy

I’ve driven the 718 Cayman GT4 enough to know its siren song. Third gear, 5,000 rpm, the 4.0-liter flat-six clearing its throat and then bellowing to 8,000—blink and you’re absolutely, positively going too fast. The chassis is so calm at speed that your right foot thinks you’re doing society a favor.

In Canada this week, that calm met cold reality. A GT4 driver allegedly clocked speeds well over the limit, appealed to the officers for a little birthday leniency, and—predictably—watched the car get impounded. In many Canadian provinces, exceeding the limit by a large margin triggers “stunt” or “excessive speed” penalties on the spot. Cake candles don’t waive the tow truck.

What “excessive speed” often means in Canada

• Immediate roadside vehicle impound (typically 7+ days depending on province).
• License suspension at the roadside (often 7–30 days).
• Hefty fines and potential court appearance later.
• Insurance points and long-term premium pain.

When I last took a GT4 on a dawn run, I made peace with short-shifting and living in second and third. It’s part self-control, part strategy. The car’s balance makes 60 mph feel like 35. Your eyes have to do the policing your gut won’t.

GT4 quick context (why it’s so tempting)

• Engine: 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six
• Output: about 414 hp and 309 lb-ft (manual)
• 0–60 mph: roughly 4.2 seconds (manual), quicker with PDK
• Top speed: around 188 mph
• Quirks I’ve noticed: firm ride on rough city streets, a clutch that can wear your left calf in traffic, and ground clearance that hates steep driveways

Birthday advice for GT4 owners? Save the howl for a track day. Or at least use cruise control like it’s a chaperone.

The Six-Seat Cybertruck Tesla Didn’t Build—So a Dad Did

Remember when the early Cybertruck prototypes teased a six-seat layout with a front-row jump seat? Production arrived with five seats and a sprawling center console, and the six-seat idea faded into internet lore. Until now. A dad with a toolkit and a vision converted his truck into the family hauler he wanted—three across up front, three in back.

Having spent time in production Cybertrucks, I get the appeal. The cab is huge, the dash is a ledge you could serve brunch on, and that center console is basically a coffee shop. But the truck’s architecture is also a stress test for anyone modifying interior safety systems. Airbags, seatbelt anchors, sensor mats, weight calibration—it’s not like swapping a bench into a ’97 Silverado.

DIY bench seat reality check

• Airbags: Side, curtain, and potentially front airbag deployment zones must remain clear and properly calibrated.
• Belts and anchors: Any added center seat needs certified anchor points and load paths, not just “strong enough” brackets.
• Occupant sensors: Modern cars use seat weight sensors for airbags and reminders—adding a seat may require software and hardware recalibration.
• Legalities: Local regulations may require inspections, engineer sign-off, or could affect insurance coverage.
• Everyday practicality: Where do cupholders, charging pads, and storage go when the console disappears?

Is a six-seat Cybertruck useful? Absolutely—think school runs, PTO duty, or cross-town hockey practice with Grandma aboard. Just make sure the safety bits are more than cosmetic. I’ve seen “homebrew” center seats that look good in photos and fall short once you tug on a belt anchor with a torque wrench.

Cybertruck seating: production vs DIY

Cybertruck spec snapshot (context matters)

• AWD model: around 600 hp, 0–60 mph ~4.1 seconds
• “Cyberbeast” tri-motor: up to about 845 hp, 0–60 mph ~2.6 seconds
• Range: roughly 340 miles (AWD, EPA estimate), more with range extender accessory
• Quirks I’ve noticed: huge windshield glare on low sun afternoons, wiper the size of a canoe paddle, and tight under-seat storage for bulky charging cables

The Big Picture

Both stories are cut from the same enthusiast cloth. The GT4 is a scalpel that needs a surgeon’s restraint on public roads; the Cybertruck is a blank canvas that punishes sloppy brushstrokes. If you’re going to dance at the edges—of speed or factory spec—bring more than passion. Bring a plan.

Owner tips

• Track therapy: If your car makes speed feel slow, budget for regular track days. It scratches the itch and sharpens your judgment.
• DIY with paperwork: Keep receipts, engineering notes, and inspection records for any seatbelt/airbag changes—your insurer will ask.
• Family first: Test-fit car seats and boosters in that new center position before calling the project done.
• Know the local law: Understand roadside penalties and impound triggers where you drive. It changes how you use the right pedal.

FAQ

Is the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 really that easy to speed in?

Yes. The naturally aspirated 4.0 sings at high revs and the chassis is exceptionally composed. It masks speed. Use cruise control on highways and save the big revs for controlled environments.

What happens if you’re caught massively over the limit in Canada?

Many provinces impose immediate impound and license suspensions for “stunt” or “excessive speed” offenses, plus substantial fines and points later. It can ruin a weekend—and your insurance premiums.

Did Tesla ever offer a six-seat Cybertruck from the factory?

No. Early prototypes suggested it, but production launched with five seats only. That’s why some owners are attempting DIY conversions.

Can I legally convert my Cybertruck to six seats?

It depends on your jurisdiction. Any added seating must meet safety regulations for seatbelts and airbags. Consult a certified engineer and verify with your DMV and insurer before you start.

Will a DIY front bench affect airbags?

Almost certainly. Airbag deployment zones, sensors, and occupant detection systems may need reprogramming and hardware changes. Skipping this isn’t just illegal—it’s unsafe.