Web Extra: Newest TBM Features Sports Car Swagger

When Daher-Socata of Tarbes, France, embarked on developing the TBM 900 single-engine turboprop as an update of the TBM 850), it took the opportunity to restore some of the sports-car swagger of the TBM 700, progenitor of the TBM turboprop line.

Daher-Socata engaged French designer Hubert de Malherbe, known for his work with the LVMH luxury goods group, to “sportify” the interior, and his touch is evident in such details as the hand stitching on the top grain leather seats. “We wanted the aesthetics to look good,” said Philippe de Segovia, Daher-Socata’s director of marketing.

Fine wood trim remains a standard option, but the company is promoting a new carbon-fiber interior, available in eight standard shades, with 40 more colors available as options.

The TBM 900’s seating/cargo space is also completely reconfigurable; any or all of the four cabin seats can be quickly removed as needed, or arranged in either club or the all forward-facing commuter configuration.

TBM also offers a limited-edition 2014 Black Diamond interior.