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.
Although C8 Chevy Corvette production has been put on pause due to Corvid-19, the newly mid-engine sports car has already made plenty of positive impressions. The interior is truly luxurious, and the C8 Corvette is quick enough to keep up with the likes of the Porsche 911. However, recently mules have spotted that suggest an …
With the 2020 C8 Chevy Corvette being the first mid-engine ‘Vette, GM was obviously feeling the pressure to perform. Luckily, the new Corvette appears to be a hit, with solid reviews and orders for 2020 models closed due to demand. Unfortunately, with any major update—especially one like this—there’s always the risk of teething issues. And …
Today, Triumph is perhaps best known for its retro-looking bikes like the Bonneville and the genuinely off-road-capable Scrambler. But the British bike company has a long history of impressive, if not always reliable, machines. Continuing the former tradition is the updated Triumph Rocket 3, a bike with an engine bigger than some cars have. But, …
To call crossovers popular is a bit of an understatement. Crossovers are often some of an automaker’s best-selling vehicles. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, for instance, were the #4 and #5 best-selling vehicles in the US in 2019. Crossovers also play an important role in Hyundai and Nissan. The Hyundai Tucson is a smaller …
Truck and SUV sales haven’t completely killed off sedans, and that’s partially because lately, sedans have been getting more stylish. The latest Hyundai Elantra and Sonata, for instance, have all manner of creases, folds, and edges. However, just like Mercedes didn’t call its minivan as such, some automakers don’t call their sedans by that name. …
The Ford Ranger Raptor might not be the best overlander right out the gate, but it is a great, compact off-roader. And while Ford won’t sell it in the US (yet), Texas-based tuner PaxPower does provide an alternative. Now, though, another company, California-based Automotive Performance Group, has stepped forward to beef up Ford’s mid-size truck. …
Today, well-heeled customers can buy a recreated 1930s Bugatti from Pur Sang or a D-type continuation from Jaguar. But British automaker Morgan has been doing retro since before it was cool. And amongst its handmade lineup, perhaps no vehicle better represents the brand than the Morgan 3-Wheeler. The Morgan 3-Wheeler is part car, part motorcycle …
Although for now, the V8-equipped Ford Ranger seems to be nothing but a fever dream, Ford’s mid-size truck does lend itself well to overlanding and off-roading builds. PaxPower can build you a Ranger Raptor, with RTR providing a more affordable alternative. And ARB now makes a winch-ready bumper for the Ranger. Also, at the 2019 …
Although you don’t necessarily need a van for overlanding or on-the-road living, some of them are quite capable both on- and off-pavement. From Japan, there’s the Mitsubishi Delica, for one. But arguably the progenitor of the #vanlife movement is the VW Vanagon, and its predecessor, the VW Bus (‘Microbus’). However, back in the 60s, the …
There’s no shortage of trucks available from the factory for heavy off-roading. Ford has its F150 Raptor, Chevy has the Colorado ZR2 Bison, and Ram has the Rebel and Rebel TRX. But for some, the factory offerings aren’t quite enough, which is where the aftermarket comes in. Shelby, Roush, and PaxPower are just some of …
Although the new Model Y has stolen the spotlight somewhat, Tesla’s Model X still has a lot going for it. But EV acceleration alone isn’t enough to win out over every luxury SUV buyer. And for those able to drop six figures on such an SUV, two of the most compelling come from BMW and …
Shelby’s tuned Ford F150 may be powerful, but that’s not going to be enough for it to stand out anymore. Roush also offers a high-power F150 in the form of the Nitemare. Hennessey’s tuned the F150’s GM rivals into literal Goliaths, and we now know the Ram Rebel TRX will come with the full 707-hp …
Hot hatches are a great way to get practicality and sporty performance at an affordable price. Volkswagen’s GTI, Honda’s Civic Si and Type R, and Hyundai’s Veloster N are all great new examples of the segment. And on the used market, the Ford Focus ST and Fiesta ST are also worth looking into. But there’s …
If you’re a JDM car fan in the US, now’s one of the best times to pick up the cars you could only see in theaters or import-car magazines. The Celica GT4, R32 and R33 Nissan Skyline GTR, Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero, 70-Series Land Cruiser, and Mitsubishi Delica are just some of the cars old enough to …
A lot has changed since the Model 3-based Tesla Model Y prototype was first seen testing IRL, and not just the battery shortages and coronavirus’ effects on the supply chain. The electric crossover/SUV market has gained some competitors. Fisker teased its Ocean crossover, and Rivian announced its R1S would be cheaper than originally forecasted. And …
Today, Mazda’s mostly known for stylish SUVs and the beloved MX-5 Miata. But the Japanese automaker has another claim to fame: its use of rotary cars. Up until 2019, Mazda was the only Japanese automaker to ever win Le Mans, and it did it with a rotary-powered car. A rotary engine powered one of the …
New or used, the Honda Civic is an extremely popular car. Although the Civic had some missteps in the past, the latest model is a return to the reliability and quality that made it and Honda household names. And part of that appeal is the Civic’s bandwidth: there’s basically a model for everyone. The 2020 …
Choosing an off-road motorcycle is about balancing pavement manners with dirt performance. The Triumph Scrambler and modified Indian Scout Sixty can venture off-pavement, but they’re heavier and more expensive. Dual sports can freely transition between gravel and asphalt, but their designs skew more towards dirt bikes than street ones. And the Ural’s 2WD and old-school …
Back in the 60s, police cars weren’t terribly different from civilian ones. Today, though, the cops have access to specially-prepped trucks and SUVs. The F-150, Silverado, Explorer, and even (in the UK) Ranger Raptor have all been pressed and modified for police service. But, at times, ordinary citizens have been able to pick up ‘police …
Before cars became affordable, motorcycles with sidecars were the most affordable way to transport goods and/or families. Some models, like BMWs, were even used on the battlefront. Now, though, while it’s possible to get modern bikes with classic looks, sidecars have all but died out. However, there’s still one company, Ural, keeping the off-roading sidecar …