The 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora was supposed to save Oldsmobile with its Cadillac-sourced Northstar V8, its futuristic style, and its luxury ambitions. It was GM’s last attempt to keep the brand relevant. But it ultimately contributed to the demise of one of America’s oldest automotive brands. In this week’s Regular Car Reviews, we drive the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora, the last gasp for the brand that GM didn’t want to keep alive. But when your brand reputation is “pensioners and people who smoke Salems,” there’s only so much you can do. Was the Aurora a misunderstood future classic that was years ahead of its time, or the car that proved Oldsmobile was destined for failure?