First impressions of the Catera may be a little underwhelming. Whencompared to the crisply-drawn shapes of its German rivals from BMW or Mercedes-Benz,
or even the Italianate curves of the Lexus GS 300, the Catera's soft and
understated exterior lacks the kind of appeal that sets checkbooks to rustling.
It is, in most respects, a readily recognizable product of GM Design Staff,
even though the basic shape is derived from the core car, Opel's successful
Omega MV6.
But good detail elements relieve this rather subdued exterior treatment.
The nose in particular effectively blends traditional Cadillac cues--a
large black-chrome grille with the company's wreath-and-crest emblem, for
example--with aerodynamic requirements. And the rear deck, high and softly
shaped, conceals a generous cargo space.
Catera is offered in one model, well-equipped with standard aluminum