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There were moms minivan shopping. There were men flexing their muscle-car yearnings. But no ride at the Delaware Auto Show's opening day attracted as many eyeballs as the Fisker Karma did Friday.

The electric-gas hybrid -- coming soon to a dealership on the other side of town -- was a must-see for many who browsed among the 200-plus cars inside the Center on the Riverfront.

"I like the style, for one thing," said Sharon Dillman of Chesapeake City, Md., as she appraised the sleek sliver sports car with the low-profile crouch. "It's sporty, and has a classic sort of style."

Now manufactured in Finland, the Karma is a sister of sorts to the midsize Fisker model that will be built next year at the former General Motors plant near Newport. For car buffs like Robert Sammons, also of Chesapeake City, the 62-mpg speedster needs a little more real-world experience before it has a chance of making his shopping list.

"It still has to prove itself," he said. "It's pretty, though."

That seems to be the early consensus among admirers, who will be able to buy one for themselves at the Union Park Auto Group on Pennsylvania Avenue beginning next month, said Jeff Garland, senior leader for partnership and business development at Fisker.

"I've had people tell me it's literally breathtaking," he said of the Karma, which gets people searching for a frame of reference as they assess its gently swooping lines and aggressive stance. There are hints of the Corvette's front haunches, the purposeful elegance of a Jaguar, the timeless curves of a vintage Ferrari.

Of course, not everyone picks the Fisker as their dream car of the moment.

A few yards from the Karma, Ann Jackson considered the almost lunging lines of the Audi R8 supercar, and decided the Karma had met its $183,000 match.

"I though that was nice," she said of the Karma. "This one is better."

"I'd like it even better if I got to drive it," added car show companion Greg Jackson.

Sporty inclinations also guided Bob Riggio's aspirations, drawing him straight to the 6.2-liter V8 45th anniversary Camaro.

"This is the only Chevy I'd consider buying," he said as he gestured toward the pickups and SUVs nearby. "The rest of these Chevies, look at the size of these things. They're boats. I'd feel like I was driving a cruise ship."

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