The silver lining around my front grille I noticed was cracked today. I'm not sure how it happened but i'm guessing one of the million clueless drivers here in NYC backed into it and damaged it, regardless I'd like to replace it. I'v seen them available for pretty cheap but I'm not sure how to get it off, any ideas? I'm hoping it's simple as i'd like to do it myself.

 

If I recall correctly it's all held together by screws. I replaced that part on my 2008 Lancer. I don't know what year your Lancer is and if you have the newer style front bumper? But here's how I did it on my car:
Open your bonnet (duh) and then remove the radiator cover (the black plastic part). You do this by removing all the clips and unscrewing the two plastic thingies that hold the air duct in place. After that's done you can access the screws that hold the grille in place on the inside of the bumper. Might be a little tight but should be doable. No need to remove the bumper.

Here's some diagrams that might come in handy: click