New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI): Aston Martin, the car that James Bond made famous through many Ian Fleming flicks, will set the roads of India afire by the end of this year, albeit at a hefty price tag of up to Rs 3 crore.  

The UK-based carmaker is understood to be gearing up to launch its vehicles in India, and has tied up with Infinity Cars to open its first showroom in Mumbai. According to sources close to the development, Aston Martin has signed an agreement with Mumbai-based Infinity Cars, which is also a dealer of BMW, and appointed it as the company's exclusive distributor for the Indian market.

"Infinity will open the booking process for Aston Martin from next week. The cars are likely to be delivered in the next 5-6 months," a source said. Aston Martin will initially sell four models -- V8, DB9, Rapide and DBS -- in India and the ex-showroom prices have almost been finalised, sources added.

"While V8 and DB9 will come for Rs 1.35 crore and Rs 1.9 crore, Rapide and DBS will be offered for Rs 2.3 crore and Rs 2.8 crore. Above this, customers have to pay for the insurance and registration charges," sources said. Aston Martin is primarily a sports cars manufacturer. Established in 1914 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, the company was part of US car giant Ford from 1994 to 2007.

In 2007, a joint venture company, headed by David Richards and co-owned by Investment Dar and Adeem Investment of Kuwait and English businessman John Sinders, acquired Aston Martin from Ford for 479 million pounds. When asked about its India plans, an Aston Martin spokesperson said: "Aston Martin is currently in discussion with potential dealers in India."

Infinity Cars director Lalit Choudary said: "It is not the right time and pre-mature as we are still finalising the prices and what models to bring in... The picture will be clear in a month's time."