This paper describes on studies of the heavy duty engine calibration for better fuel economy based on real driving conditions. Using testbed validated software simulation of the engine and turbocharger system, an alternative turbocharger specification, with potential to improve fuel economy was identified. Secondly, the engine calibration was modified to optimize vehicle fuel economy over a typical customer drive cycle whilst still meeting the steady-state (testbed) emissions legislation. These results were confirmed by field testing of a vehicle equipped with the updated specifications. This study found good agreements between the prediction and the field test on the vehicle fuel economy improvements of the express bus with updated calibration and turbocharger.