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.
The original Willys Jeep wasn’t just the forebear to a long line of Wranglers: it also inspired other off-road SUVs. Some, like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol, used that inspiration to start their own fanbases. Others, like Mitsubishi’s licensed CJ3, were basically Jeep clones—too much so, in the Mahindra Roxor’s case. But there’s …
BMW doesn’t just make fast cars and luxurious SUVs: the German company is also an established motorcycle maker. Its famed boxer engine has even been used by other motorcycle companies. Today, BMW’s motorcycle division is perhaps best known for its touring and adventure bikes. However, as the retro motorcycle wave has grown, it’s also begun …
Although Toyota enjoys a reputation as a maker of solid and reliable cars, the company’s image isn’t exactly one of excitement. Especially considering some of its past highlights, like the Celica GT4. But Toyota seems to be actively looking to change that perception. The 86 sports car is getting an update, and Toyota’s TRD division …
Although Alfa Romeo offers some desirable high-performance vehicles, the brand is almost equally known for its questionable reliability. As a result, even the Alfa Romeo Stelvio—a luxury crossover, one of the hottest segments today—isn’t selling particularly well, nor enjoying a strong resale value. However, after looking through reports, it’s possible that at least some of …
The 90s didn’t just see the rise of JDM legends like the Skyline GT-R—it was also when several incredible off-roaders were built. A few, like the Toyota Celica GT4, Nissan Pulsar GTi-R, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, were based on passenger cars. Others, like the Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution and Montero, and Toyota MegaCruiser, were SUVs. With …
Today, Porsche is an admired, successful automaker. But that wasn’t always the case. In the late 80s and early 90s, Porsche was struggling to stay afloat. Luckily, it was able to push through, and deliver highly-profitable vehicles like the Cayenne. That was thanks to partnering with and building cars for other automakers. One of those …
Although the Ford F150 Raptor is an excellent off-road truck, for some, it’s not quite enough. That’s why companies like Shelby and dealers like Long McArthur Ford offer some alternative off-road F150 builds. Some of these builds, like Roush’s Tactical Edition and Tuscany’s Black Ops, lean heavily on military-inspired themes. But the latest off-road Ford …
COVID-19 has impacted much of the automotive world. Sales of new cars are down across the board, as is production. Automotive events have also been canceled or postponed, including many high-profile races. Luckily, a new form of racing is stepping up to fill the void: virtual racing. And you can join in, too. Can …
Today, the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, and Corvette are often what come to mind when you think ‘American sports car.’ And before that, there were cars like the Shelby Cobra and Daytona. However, not every American sports car is as well-remembered. Few remember the Cheetah, for example. And despite being significantly newer, not many remember …
The latest-gen Ford Explorer does have a lot to offer SUV buyers. It’s got 3 rows as standard, there’s a hybrid model available, and it recently beat out the Toyota Highlander in Kelley Blue Book’s comparison. And, for those wanting some extra performance, there’s the Ford Explorer ST. But, although it may be fast, is …
Today, BMW’s M vehicles form an extensive lineup of high-performance, highly-desirable cars. Some may argue too extensive. But not every BMW sports car, or M car, has enjoyed such popularity. One such example is the BMW M Coupe, aka the Z3 M Coupe, which is often referred to as the ‘clown shoe.’ Now, however, the …
Besides serving as the basis for a number of overland and off-road builds, the Ford Ranger also makes an excellent mid-size working truck. It has one of the highest payload capacities of any mid-size truck and a host of standard features. However, overseas customers have several other options. One of the most popular and well-known …
Harley-Davidson hasn’t had a good 2020 so far. The departure of its CEO had elements of boardroom drama, and the COVID-19 outbreak has stifled production. In addition, the much-anticipated LiveWire electric motorcycle hasn’t really taken off. And bikes like the $41,000 CVO Road-Glide aren’t exactly affordable. However, recently-uncovered documents hint at more Harley-Davidson bikes in …
Although the Chevy Colorado has had some issues in the past, the latest model is perhaps the best mid-size truck on the market. And, if you’re looking to go off-roading, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and ZR2 Bison out-perform the Jeep Gladiator in a few areas. However, the truck can be somewhat low on power for …
Although the Toyota Highlander is more crossover than SUV, it’s one of Toyota’s best-selling models. It has a wide array of standard features, and there’s even a somewhat-sporty XSE trim. Though, the Nightshade Edition is mostly just a cosmetic package. But, while the Highlander is popular, it has had some problems in the past. And …
There are few vehicles as beloved as the Toyota Land Cruiser. Over the years, the Toyota SUV has gone from the bare-bones FJ40 to a luxurious Range Rover rival. But it hasn’t lost its ability to overland, off-road, and just keep on trudging. And yet, there are rumors that the next-gen model may not even …
Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand, is in the middle of a full lineup blitz. The automaker has already released the GV80 crossover, and it has several more crossovers and SUVs on the way. Genesis is also planning a few more sedans to accompany the G90. Up until now, we’ve only seen a few photos of the …
Although Maserati is a historied brand, the Italian automaker’s products haven’t always lived up to the hype. The Ghibli, in particular, has been heavily criticized for a low-quality interior and overall lack of reliability. And the car many consider the best Maserati, the GranTurismo, is over a decade old, and on its way out. But …
Mercedes-Benz isn’t just cutting some of its high-performance sedans. The German automaker has already canceled its X-Class pickup truck. And after 2020, one more model will be gone: the 2-seat convertible Mercedes SLC. Formerly known as the SLK, it’s a more compact version of the 4-seat SL. But why has the Mercedes SLC failed, when …
Retro motorcycles are very ‘in’ right now. Triumph, Honda, Royal Enfield, and Moto Guzzi all make bikes that echo their classic forebearers, but with less oil leakage. Ural makes a sidecar-equipped bike that can take part in WWII re-enactments. And Honda’s even bringing back a beloved compact trail bike. But, although Ducati’s Scrambler is arguably …