The Catera -- introduced in 1997 as "the Caddy that zigs!" -- was intended to be Cadillac's first modern-day sports sedan. Cadillac basically fitted the European-market Opel Omega with a new grille and taillights and a softer suspension, but the promise of the Omega's German engineering and rear-wheel-drive failed to woo buyers -- the Catera just didn't seem like a proper Cadillac. A restyle in 2000 didn't improve matters, and the Catera was discontinued after 2001.
Footnote: In 2003, Cadillac introcued the CTS. Like the Catera, it used a rear-drive platform and a six-cylinder engine; unlike the Catera, it had unique styling that made it look like a proper Cadillac. Not only was the CTS a roaring success, but it was one of the key products that allowed Cadillac to bury its stodgy old-man's-car image for good.