(February 28, 2010) U.S. regulators have purchased and will test the Lexus ES 350 once owned by a Tennessee woman whose testimony in Congress personalized allegations of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles, industry newspaper Automotive News reports.

The Transportation Department said on Friday the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would conduct the evaluation at its research center in Ohio, but seek outside expertise, if necessary.

Rhonda Smith told the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday the luxury sedan suddenly accelerated out of control for six miles while she was headed to Knoxville in October 2006.

"I lost all control of the acceleration of the vehicle," Smith said in her testimony, adding that the model year 2007 car reached a top speed of 100 miles per hour before slowing.

A local dealer could not find any problems, Smith said.