Matthew Skwarczek started blogging in 2015 and focuses his writing on motorcycles and engineering science. A graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned his Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Matthew served as an applications engineer for BASF before joining MotorBiscuit in 2019.
In Matthew’s words, the visceral nature of riding requires you to be in the moment. Combined with his fascination in the analytics surrounding the building and designing of cars and bikes, both modern and classic, you’ll find his voice blends functionality and phenomena. He rides motorcycles and bicycles often, photographing them as well.
Matthew has contributed to Oppositelock and is now an alumnus. He plays Dungeons & Dragons and reads sci-fi and fantasy in his spare time, and appreciates the works of Peter Egan, Sam Smith, Brandon Sanderson, and Alex Goy.
That the Ferrari F40-beating 2021 limited-edition Honda Civic Type R sold out in minutes should be proof enough of the hot hatch’s credentials. But if you missed out, the 2020 Civic Type R is by no means a consolation prize. And it’s not a pretender to the Integra Type R’s name, nor is it hanging …
Among hot hatches, the 2020 Honda Civic Type R stands particularly high. It’s the sportiest and most powerful Civic and heir to the iconic ‘Type R’ nameplate. But while that makes for an exhilarating driving experience, it also requires dealing with the Civic Type R’s drawbacks. In the 2020 Honda Civic Type R, ‘Comfort Mode’ …
Pickup trucks aren’t the only commercial vehicles going electric. Several delivery and cargo van manufacturers are also starting to ditch combustion for battery packs. Rivian is developing one for Amazon, and GM is working on an EV version of the beloved Express and Savanna. And now, rival electric SUV and pickup company Bollinger might be …
Besides 0-60 times, one of the most common ways you can compare two cars’ performance is horsepower. And owners often install mods like performance exhausts and turbochargers in an effort to give their engine more power. However, not only is your engine’s quoted horsepower not always accurate, but it’s also not static. Over time, no …
Just like BMW has Alpina and M, Mercedes also has separate divisions for luxury and speed. The latter is handled by AMG. And for the former, there’s Maybach. Rather like Alpina, it used to be its own brand; it was even founded by former Mercedes engineers. Now, it symbolizes the most exclusive and expensive models …
While it’s not the only affordable sports car on the market, Mazda’s MX-5 Miata is one of the best. That’s largely been the case over the Miata’s 30-plus years on the market. However, while all 4 generations of Mazda’s convertible sports car enjoy loyal fanbases, there’s one model that tends to get the least amount …
The supercar’s biggest enemy isn’t another supercar: it’s time. For example, a modern hot hatch like the Civic Type R can out-pace a 90s Ferrari F40. Even Nissan’s 80s and 90s supercar, the Skyline GTR, isn’t immune. While the modern R35 can still out-accelerate Corvettes and AMGs, there are some fairly-ordinary sedans that make the …
Engine swaps are a common way to boost a car’s performance. And the results are especially dramatic when they’re performed in a small car. Mazda Miatas, classic Mini Coopers, Honda N600s, and even Porsche Caymans have been the subject of engine transplants. But what happens if you do it to an even smaller car? You …
The current Rocket 3 isn’t Triumph’s only three-cylinder bike, though it does have the biggest engine. And soon, it will be joined by one more triple, bearing a familiar nameplate. The British motorcycle company has already successfully re-introduced the classically-styled Bonneville and Thruxton to a modern audience. Now, it’s the Triumph Trident’s turn. The history …
While it’s cutting cars in favor of SUVs and crossovers, AMG is still producing incredibly-fast Mercedes models. For example, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 can out-accelerate a Corvette. And in the early 2000s, the E55 AMG was the fastest production sedan on the planet. But, while the tuner’s history contains some oddballs—like a 500-hp minivan—and even …
The upcoming Hyundai Santa Cruz, being a car-based pickup, will potentially cause some confusion and consternation amongst potential buyers. It’s been a similar case with the Honda Ridgeline, despite its genuine on-pavement capability and its off-road performance. However, the idea of taking a car platform and making it into a truck isn’t new. Chevrolet did …
Sometimes, vehicles don’t change much from year to year besides adding extra standard features. Case in point, the Toyota 4Runner; this is often a boon for used shoppers. Others, though, change more significantly. Such is the case with the Mazda CX-5, which was redesigned for 2017 and was recently updated for 2020. But how much …
You don’t have to spend six figures on a motorcycle to want to keep it safe from thieves. But not everyone has access to a locked garage, which is a great first step in preventing thefts. Brake disc locks are extremely beneficial especially if you leave the bike outdoors. But if they’re not attached properly, …
Compared to some of the best-selling crossovers, Mazda’s SUV/crossover lineup has often been overlooked. But as the Japanese automaker has improved its products, buyers and critics like Consumer Reports have taken increasing notice. And if you’re looking for a fun-to-drive crossover with slick design and luxury on a budget, you should consider the 2020 Mazda …
While Tesla’s EVs may literally have ‘performance’ in their names, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S can match them in acceleration. All while being more efficient than the EPA’s tests suggest. However, in addition to giving the Model S more claimed range, Tesla’s recent update also added performance. But is it enough to let it match …
Generally speaking, it’s best for beginning riders to start with small-capacity motorcycles. Not just because they’re easier to control, but because of lower repair and replacement costs. But it’s not like getting a moped or a scooter is your only option. There are several affordable sport bikes and adventure bikes, just to name 2 categories, …
Not every special-edition car is actually special. But when the car in question is a McLaren, it’s a slightly different story. But it’s not McLaren itself that’s releasing the cars. Instead, they’re the work of British tuner and restorer Lazante. What’s the occasion? A celebration of not just a celebrated race car, but an iconic …
While it’s not without its flaws, the Mazda CX-5 is consistently recommended by Consumer Reports for a reason. Despite lower sales figures than the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V, Mazda’s compact crossover can go toe-to-toe with more expensive models from BMW and Infiniti. And that’s because, for every one of its faults, the 2020 …
There’s a lot to recommend about the Mazda CX-5. It’s arguably the Japanese automaker’s best SUV/crossover, and can more than stand up to segment sales leaders like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. And for the 2020 model year, Mazda improved every CX-5 trim level, from the Sport to the Signature. But after driving the …
As welcome as the reborn Supra is, the latest version of Toyota’s iconic sports car has weathered a somewhat-mixed reception. Not least of which is the notion that it’s a badge-engineered BMW Z4 M40i. However, for the 2021 model year, Toyota has addressed some of the 2020 Supra’s faults. But the 2021 update also brings …