In fact there’s no clear evidence that even the original cone material (paper) has ever truly been improved upon.
I believe, it is pretty demonstrable, that other materials other than paper, are: lower in resonance, lighter (improving transient response), stiffer (decreased flexing lowering distortion), better magnet materials and coil materials, better damped, and more.
Yes, there are some great paper divers around (SB Acoustics Egyption papyrus mids, for example), but even these have a lot of technology beyond original paper cone materials.
Two recent approaches I am aware of include the Monopulse designs which are distinctly different with their obsessive devotion to timing to merit an audition.
The other is the approach taken by the Ohm Walsh 2000s which are steadily generating a good word of mouth following.
Also, check into bending wave technology, as produced by Goebel speakers. They are pretty impressive, to say the least.