− I have been given compensation for this post by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Kelli Delaney 

Who doesn’t love a new set of HOT WHEELS? Lucky me, KDHamptons was recently asked to experience the stunning new 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV.  Having been a longtime fan of the legendary Italian brand, I was excited to see how the sport heritage of Alfa Romeo would translate into a sexy new SUV.  It’s all in the name folks. The Stelvio Pass in Italy is majestic and daunting, with a mountainous terrain and hairpin curves that challenge even the bravest of drivers. Inspired by this great driving road, Italy’s best engineers and artisans set out to imagine, design and craft a truly Italian high-performance SUV.

After jumping into the front seat to head to the Taste of Two Forks event, the answers came quickly as I took in the accent stitching, genuine wood trim, luxury steering wheel, aluminum pedals footrest and much more…

Like a bespoke suit with impeccable measurements, every detail of the driver-focused cockpit reflects a perfect mix of elements. From the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the nappa leather seats, Alfa Romeo’s inaugural SUV is the ultimate expression of Italian craftsmanship.

Built to enhance the overall driving experience, every inch of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is crafted to perfection. With a calculated combination of innovative technology, advanced engineering and a powerful engine design, this premium SUV is prepared to take you from Manhattan to Ditch Plains in Montauk − loaded with surf gear and style.

Year round Hamptonites know that driving is about more than getting from here to there, in the off-season, where you need to have command of the road during our epic snow storms. With the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the standard Q4 All-Wheel Drive system helps ensure perfect adherence to the road in any season or condition. Along with the Alfa DNA Drive Mode Selector System, the system automatically modifies the Stelvio’s responses and adjusts, in real-time, the required torque to each wheel based on the conditions of the terrain.

Here’s a few more fast facts which appeal to Hamptons drivers:

• Near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, segment-leading torsional rigidity and the most direct steering ratio in the segment, thanks to Stelvio’s Alfa Romeo-exclusive Giorgio architecture

• Advanced Efficiency: Eco-friendly mode to achieve the lowest fuel consumption Peace of mind: safety and security.

• The all-new Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers innovative safety and security features and leverages advanced driverassist features, including: • Full-speed Forward Collision Warning.

Let’s face it — the only unattractive thing about the Hamptons is the terrible traffic. The Stelvio says, NO PROBLEM, providing autonomous braking and, under certain circumstances, which slows or brings the vehicle to a full stop when frontal collision appears imminent.  As well as Adaptive Cruise Control – Plus with Full Stop which helps maintain distance from the vehicle ahead and, under certain traffic conditions, the system can bring the Stelvio to a full stop without driver intervention.

Lastly, another great feature that makes the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV a great choice for Hamptonites is how it helps with crowded village parking situations and foot traffic with its Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection and front-and rear-park assist sensors, which  help rear visibility both on the road and in parking situations.

Thanks so much to Alfa Romeo for asking me to experience this beautiful new SUV, I’m sure we will be seeing lots of Stelvios hit the road in the Hamptons in 2018. For more information, please visit HERE